Police say two women who were fatally struck by a vehicle on the Hume Freeway, in Melbourne's north, last night had stopped to help an injured animal.

The women were hit on the freeway at Craigieburn just after 7:30pm.

One of the women, a 30-year-old from Beveridge, died at the scene.

The second woman, a 30-year-old from Thomastown, was flown to hospital but died a short time later.

The driver of the vehicle that struck the women remained at the scene and assisted police.

The exact circumstances of the collision are being investigated.

Police have asked anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has footage to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

Victoria Police said 203 people had died on the state's roads so far this year, which is 11 more than at the same time last year.

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