A woman was found laying face-up on the roadway of the East 16th Street off-ramp by a passing motorist at 5:45 a.m., according to a CHP news release.

The woman was struck by an unknown vehicle resulting in major injuries, according to the initial investigation.

According to the news release, an unknown vehicle struck the woman while she was walking on roadway of the East 16th Street off-ramp from State Route 99 northbound, outside of a designated crosswalk. The suspect’s vehicle fled the scene.

The woman was immediately transported to the Merced airport where she was airlifted to an out of area hospital.

If anyone has information regarding this collision or the identity of the unidentified female pedestrian, please call the CHP Merced Area Office at (209) 356-6600 or after hours at (209) 356-2900. For media inquiries, contact Public Information Officer Eric C. Zuniga at (209) 356-6608.