Man, 23, dead after being struck by ambulance en-route to emergency

A young man has died after being struck by an ambulance in Melbourne's south-east overnight.

The ambulance was racing to an emergency when it struck the man on Cranbourne Road, near Wattle Tree Lane, in Frankston about 2.30am.

The two experienced female paramedics leaped into action, performing CPR on the pedestrian, but he died at the scene.

Residents said they rushed outside after being woken by the loud bang.

“I saw (the paramedics) gave her a hug, you know, like, she was pretty freaked out,”  local Rose Luo told 9News at the scene.

While the exact circumstances of the accident are yet to be determined, it's understood the paramedics only saw this man at the very last moment when he stepped out in front of them.

It is thought he may have been drug-affected at the time and was found naked when the crash occurred. 

In a statement, Ambulance Victoria said, “We extend our deepest sympathy to the patient's family”.

"A full investigation will be conducted into the circumstances of this tragic accident.”

Olga Bartasek from Ambulance Employees Australia also described the death as “tragic”.

“When you go to work wanting to help others and you are involved in an incident where you've caused a death of a person, then that's absolutely tragic,” Ms Bartasek told 9News.

“Ambulance Victoria will be supporting them in any psychological counselling and other services they require.”