FORMER Queensland premier Campbell Newman has been slammed on social media for what's been called "a lack of emotional intelligence" following his response to a fatal crash in Brisbane's CBD.

Mr Newman used Twitter to take a swipe at police after a woman was killed by a bus in the city this morning, saying their response created traffic chaos in the area.

Ann Street was shut for two hours while traffic was diverted onto other busy roads after the woman was killed while trying to cross the road about 7am.

"There must be a better way for the Qld Police to deal with a tragic pedestrian death than to shut down the entire northern side of Brisbane and create total and utter chaos extending more than 5km from the CBD," Mr Newman tweeted.

His tweet has since been slammed. The tweet had attracted more than 40 comments by noon, including one user who said his response showed a "lack of emotional intelligence". Others were more blunt, calling him an "idiot" and "insensitive prat".

The comments prompted Mr Newman to tweet again, saying "for those of you who don't agree, what about the surgeons and doctors who didn't get to the hospitals on time, the cancer patients who were heading for treatment, the kids who had exams, the people who missed job interviews etc?"

Police had earlier urged people to avoid the crash scene at the intersection with Wharf Street.

A TransLink spokesman said there were 18 bus services cancelled with half-hour delays on the majority of city buses.

Buses travelling in both directions through the Brisbane CBD have returned to schedule but passengers were told to expect residual delays about 10.30am.

Traffic diversions were put in place while officers cleared the scene.