A 20-year-old woman has died after the car she was in shot off a road and ended up in a canal.

Martina Porcu, from Siurgus Donigala, in South Sardinia, in Italy, died in the serious accident on State Road 128 near Suelli in Italy.

Local media reports on 22nd April said that a 25-year-old man was also in the VW Golf when it crashed and was seriously injured.

Martina Porcu poses in undated photo. She died in a car crash in Suelli, Italy. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)

Martina was killed on the spot, with the man, not named, reportedly managing to extract himself from the vehicle and reach the home of a friend nearby who raised the alarm.

The young man is currently hospitalised in Cagliari in a serious condition.

Local media reports said that he told the authorities that he was not driving and that two other people were in the vehicle at the time of the crash.

The mayor of Siurgus Donigala, Antonello Perra, said in a statement: "There are no words that can truly ease the pain of the family, friends and the entire community of Siurgus Donigala for the loss of dear Martina Porcu.

Martina Porcu poses in undated photo. She died in a car crash in Suelli, Italy. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)

"It is unthinkable to die at only 20 years old, in the prime of life, with dreams and projects."

He added: "Just a few days ago I met her during her usual walk in the sports facilities.

"Talking about her experience of a year in the United States, I saw a special light in her eyes: that of someone who has lived intensely, who has learned, discovered, faced the world with courage and determination."

It is currently unclear who was driving the car and why it left the road.

The Carabinieri are investigating the crash.

(Joseph Golder / newsX)