Student run over by fire truck in freak accident

MANSFIELD, CONNECTICUT — A University of Connecticut student is dead after being struck by a university fire department vehicle in a freak accident early Sunday morning.

According to state police, the 19-year-old was sitting on the ground with her back against a garage bay door at the UConn Public Safety Complex around 1:15 am.

That's when the fire department received a call for service.

The door she was leaning against opened, causing her to fall back onto the ground.

The fire department vehicle then exited the bay, driving over and killing her.

Students who were close to the victim are having a hard time processing the terrible news.

The firefighter who was driving the vehicle has been placed on administrative duty and will not respond to calls while the incident is investigated.

In a statement released Sunday, the university president said in part: "Every student is precious to us, and this is a heartbreaking and tragic loss."

Cox Media Group