Man charged with attempted murder after alleged hit-and-run in Maroochydore

A 38-year-old Maroochydore man has been charged with eight counts of attempted murder following a serious hit-and-run incident on the Sunshine Coast that left a young woman critically injured.

Emergency services were called to Aerodrome Road, near the intersection with Fourth Avenue, shortly before midnight on Saturday after reports a white Toyota Yaris had struck a group of eight pedestrians.

Police allege the driver deliberately mounted the footpath and drove into the group before fleeing the scene. The vehicle's sole occupant was later located at a nearby Alexandra Parade address and taken into custody.

One of the pedestrians, a 24-year-old woman from New South Wales, suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, where she remains in a critical condition.

Three other pedestrians - two 18-year-old men and a 19-year-old man - were taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and have since been released.

Detective Acting Inspector Peter Hocken said investigators believe the incident was an intentional act.

"Based on the evidence at the scene, we are treating this as a deliberate and intentional act," Acting Inspector Hocken said.

Police allege the incident occurred shortly after a minor altercation between the driver and a group of males near a pedestrian crossing.

"The interaction was brief and minor in nature," he said. "It's believed the driver took offence to the group crossing the road."

Investigators allege the man drove away before returning a short time later and striking pedestrians who were walking along the footpath. Two of the victims - both women - were not known to the other pedestrians and were walking nearby at the time.

Acting Inspector Hocken said the critically injured woman had travelled from New South Wales to surprise family members and was only planning a short visit.

"She was simply walking along the road when she was struck," he said.

The 38-year-old man is due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday. Police investigations remain ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact authorities.