University of Connecticut student fatally struck by campus fire department vehicle
A 19-year-old student at the University of Connecticut was fatally struck Sunday by a university fire department vehicle outside a campus fire station in Storrs.
WFSB-TV reports that the victim has been identified as Jeffny Pally of West Hartford, Conn.
Officials say Pally was seated on the ground with her back against the door of the fire station bay shortly after 1 a.m. The student fell backward onto the ground when the door opened.
A Chevy Tahoe owned by the department then exited the bay to respond to a call, driving over Pally. The student's body was found around 2:50 a.m. when firefighters returned from the call.
The firefighter driving the vehicle has been placed on administrative duty.
Investigators do not know why Pally was outside the fire house or if anyone saw her before the vehicle returned.
Video from WFSB-TV:
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Mike Kennedy
Senior Editor
Mike Kennedy has been writing about education for American School & University since 1999. He also has reported on schools and other topics for The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times and City News Bureau of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.