PENAMPANG: A recreational outing for a group of runners ended in tragedy when one of them was fatally struck by a car while on the way to Pekan Donggongon earlier today.

The victim, a 45-year-old local woman, was confirmed dead at the scene by medical officers from Queen Elizabeth I Hospital (HQE I), Kota Kinabalu.

District police chief Superintendent Sammy Newton said they received a public report about a road accident at 6.20am involving a car and a runner at Km7.2 near a shopping centre.

He said a preliminary police investigation revealed that the jogger was hit from behind by a car.

"The victim was confirmed dead at the scene by a medical officer from HQE I, Kota Kinabalu due to severe head injuries.

"Meanwhile, the 21-year-old local male driver was not injured," he said in a media statement today.

He said the driver has been detained by to assist with the investigation.

"The case is being investigated under Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

"Police urge witnesses to come forward with information and contact the investigating officer Inspector Saparia Ladoni at 019-809 5133."

He urged the public to exercise caution when driving or crossing roads and to refrain from sharing images or videos of the incident on social media out of respect for the victim's family.