Paramedics have treated eight people, including seven children, who were hit by a car at Pakenham, south-east of Melbourne.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Cardinia Road and Princes Highway just after 3:30pm.

Ambulance Victoria said a woman aged in her 30s had chest, back and shoulder injuries and was taken to The Alfred hospital in a serious condition.

The seven injured children were all primary school aged.

Police are searching for the ute driver. ( ABC News )

One girl had abdominal and leg injuries and was taken to the Royal Children's Hospital in a stable condition.

Paramedics said five other girls had cuts and grazes.

Three were taken to Dandenong Hospital and two were transported to the Monash Medical Centre.

A boy was treated at the scene but was not taken to hospital.

Police are currently searching for the driver, who they say ran from the scene.

They said the driver was of Pacific Islander or Maori appearance and aged in his mid-20s with a solid build and black afro-style hair.

He was seen running west on Princes Highway wearing a dark blue T-shirt and long black pants.

Anyone who saw the crash is urged to contact police.