Safety & Security

University of Connecticut student fatally struck by campus fire department vehicle

19-year-old woman was hit by a fire department SUV exiting the station.
Oct. 17, 2016

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:

About the Author

Mike Kennedy

Senior Editor

Mike Kennedy, senior editor, has written for AS&U on a wide range of educational issues since 1999.

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