RIVERHEAD, N.Y. – New York county officials have agreed to pay $7.5 million to settle lawsuits involving the accidental death of a 21-year-old college student during Superstorm Sandy.
Stony Brook University student Vishwaja Muppa, of Edison, New Jersey, was killed and three other women were injured in the 2012 storm. Officials say a Suffolk County police car crashed into their vehicle at a darkened intersection in the hamlet of Port Jefferson Station on Long Island. Police say the storm had knocked out the traffic light and the officer didn't have his emergency lights on.
The three other women suffered severe and permanent injuries, and will also receive part of the settlement.
The settlement was announced Tuesday. Newsday reports the county legislature will decide a proposal to borrow $3 million for the settlement.
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This story has been corrected to note accident occurred in Port Jefferson Station.
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Information from: Newsday, http://www.newsday.com
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