Shocking moment car ploughs into crowd with eight seriously injured before driver stabs passer-by in Italy

THIS is the horrifying moment a car ploughs into a group of pedestrians – hurling them into a shop window. 

Harrowing footage shows the vehicle speeding across a junction before mounting the pavement and smashing into a group of unsuspecting pedestrians.

At least four people are now fighting for their lives after the driver, 30, mowed down victims on Via Emilia Centro in Modena, Italy.

Fleeing the scene, he jumped out the vehicle armed with a weapon and reportedly tried to strike another victim.

At least four brave bystanders pursued the suspect through the streets.

Italian media reported the rampaging car first smashed into a cyclist before hurtling into the shop window.

Emergency crews scrambled to the horror scene, where eight people were injured and four are in critical condition as desperate rescue efforts continue.

The injured pedestrians were taken to three different hospitals – two were airlifted to Maggiore hospital in Bologna for treatment.

One woman is likely to need both her legs amputated following the brutal impact after she was pinned against a shop window.

The driver was hunted down just moments after attempting to escape between Rua Pioppa and Corso Adriano, where police swooped in and stopped him.

He is now in custody and being questioned by officers at a local police station as investigators try to piece together what sparked the rampage.

Modena mayor Gian Carlo Mezzetti admitted there are still major questions surrounding the attack, revealing the driver was born and raised in the province but is of foreign origins.

He said: “It is not known whether he acted under the influence of substances or whether he committed this act deliberately.

“Fortunately, there were no deaths, but seven people were injured, two of them seriously.

“One woman will likely have to have both legs amputated: she was the person who was crushed against the shop window.

“I have no details on the identity of the man who was driving the car, although some witnesses told me he was of North African origin.

“I want to thank these citizens. The man was also armed with a knife – they showed courage and great civic sense.

“My strong thanks go to them at this dramatic moment.”

Witnesses claimed the car was tearing through the street at speeds of up to 100kph (62mph) as panic erupted.

Police are now urgently working to determine whether the shocking incident was a deliberate act of violence or a drug-fuelled frenzy.