A 69-year-old motorist was arrested yesterday after allegedly running over and killing a woman while parking at a carpark in Bukit Panjang.

The 65-year-old victim, whose name has been given only as Madam Ying, had been buying groceries and was walking through the open-air carpark at Petir Road in front of Block 203 when she was hit. It is believed the female driver hit her and, in a panic, stepped on the accelerator of her black Mazda instead of the brakes - running over Madam Ying in the process.

The force of the acceleration sent the car hurtling through a metal barrier and down a slope before coming to a stop in front of the block's void deck.

A witness told Chinese daily Lianhe Wanbao that Madam Ying suffered a serious head injury and was bleeding heavily.

She was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

According to Shin Min Daily News, the driver appeared distraught after the accident, which happened just before 11am.

A witness said she "looked anxious and frightened", adding: "She kept saying: 'I'm very unlucky, I'm very scared.'"

Madam Ying's 60-year-old sister-in-law, who declined to be named, told Lianhe Wanbao that she has three sons and two daughters. They rushed to the scene on hearing about the accident.

Several people, believed to be family members, were at the scene when Madam Ying's body was taken away. Madam Ying lived with her daughters and youngest son at a block nearby.

The police said the driver has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by a negligent act. Investigations are ongoing.