Those nearby rushed to help Zayne Watts, 6, following the incident on Carkeek Street about 2.15pm on Monday.

Police believe the Cleanaway driver did not realise he had struck the boy and continued driving, but has been co-operative with officers.

Reba Alexander, 13, was one of the people who came to the Wodonga Primary School student's aid.

"I heard two workmen yelling out 'help'," she said.

"I ran out the front door.

"I really didn't know how to take it - it was pretty scary.

"There was blood everywhere."

Those at the scene used towels to apply pressure to his wounds to stem the bleeding.

"He kept nodding off, he was choking on blood," Reba said.

"We had to keep waking him up so he didn't fall asleep.

"He's in Melbourne now, hopefully everything goes okay."

A family friend said the six-year-old had undergone an operation on Monday and was in an induced coma.

The friend said Zayne had injuries including cuts, a large graze on his back where skin was ripped off, and a punctured lung.

"You don't wish this on anyone," he said.

"It's just one of those freaky accidents.

He said Zayne had been riding a bike at the time and was hit in the middle of the road.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Blood could be seen on the road and footpath on Tuesday.

Wodonga Highway Patrol Sergeant Cameron Roberts said the driver and his company had been co-operative.

No charges have been laid over the incident.

"He had no idea this had happened," Sergeant Roberts said.

"The company and the driver have been really good and co-operative.

"We're very saddened that this little fella has been hurt.

"We just need to be mindful of the presence of younger road users and the things they do."

The boy's parents, Phil and Rhiannon, drove down to the Royal Children's Hospital with their two other sons to be by his side.

A hospital spokeswoman on Tuesday said the six-year-old was in a serious but stable condition.

The family friend said he expected Zayne to make a full recovery, but expects he will be in hospital for weeks.