A schoolboy is in a critical condition after becoming trapped under a train at North Melbourne Station in a dramatic operation that took up to an hour to complete.

The young boy was rushed to the Royal Children’s Hospital under lights and sirens just before 4pm on Monday after suffering serious lower body injuries.

The incident occurred when the boy’s backpack became stuck between carriages and he subsequently fell onto the train tracks.

Emergency services received several triple-0 calls, sparking a mammoth rescue operation involving rescue crews, police and multiple advanced life paramedics.

The extrication took between 45 minutes and an hour, with crews working to free the trapped child in what Ambulance Victoria described as an incredibly traumatic scene.

Paramedic Alex Hemsley said the incident was distressing for all involved, including emergency workers who will receive support.

“Very traumatic scene for all involved,” he said. “They did a fantastic job. They did everything as quickly as they could have done, provided the highest-level care to this young person in potentially one of the most traumatic days of their lives.”