Police investigators revealed the 70-year-old woman at the wheel of a Hyundai i10 compact car had first crashed into a van at the stop sign at the Macalister-New Lane junction.

The driver was coming out of New Lane when she struck the front portion of the van.

According to investigators, in a panic after the first accident, she put her car into reverse and stepped on the gas, crashing into four stalls and four people who were having their dinner on the sidewalk.

Northeast district police chief ACP Anuar Omar said the case was being investigated for careless and inconsiderate driving under the Road Transport Act 1987.

He said a 59-year-old woman from Batu Pahat, Johor, was seriously hurt but is now reported to be stable at the Penang Hospital.

Three others, Anuar said, had been discharged after receiving outpatient treatment yesterday.

He said police also identified a new victim, a Singaporean tourist, who escaped with minor injuries.

If guilty, the driver may be punished with a fine of not less than RM4,000 and not more than RM10,000 and could also face a jail term of not more than 12 months.