A college student who survived serious injuries in the Boston Marathon bombing has been killed in a car accident in Dubai, a university spokesman has said.

Victoria McGrath was killed on Sunday along with Priscilla Perez-Torres, her roommate at Northeastern University in Boston.

The two were on a personal trip and were not studying abroad, the university said.

Ms McGrath (23) received shrapnel injuries to her left leg from the first of two bombs placed near the marathon finish line on April 15th, 2013.

Three people were killed and more than 260 others were injured in the bombing.

Bruce Mendelsohn, who was attending a post-marathon party in a building overlooking the finish line, rushed outside to help and saw Ms McGrath lying on the ground, bleeding heavily.

He tied a scarf or t-shirt he found nearby around her leg as a torniquet, which doctors said saved her life.

He then flagged down a firefighter, who carried Ms McGrath away from the scene in an iconic image from the attack.

Mr Mendelsohn said she later tracked down her rescuers and formed friendships with them.

He said: "At the time, I was angry that anyone could do such a thing. Now I'm angry that she's been taken from us".

"Life can change in an instant"

A spokesman for Northeastern said Ms McGrath was scheduled to graduate this spring from the school of business.

In a letter informing students of her death, Northeastern President Joseph E Aoun said: "She was devoted to helping others through leadership in student organisations and community service work".

Ms Torres, who was also set to graduate this spring, came to the university from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, was passionate about working on issues related to nutrition and women's health, Mr Aoun said.

JP and Paul Norden, two brothers who both lost a leg in the bombings, posted a photo of Ms McGrath on their Facebook page.

They wrote: "Life can change in an instant...we know this only too well".

"Those who survived the Boston Marathon bombings of April 15, 2013, all had a special bond...our hearts are heavy tonight after hearing that one of our fellow survivors lost their life in a car accident".

"A young energetic beautiful soul gone too soon...God bless you Victoria...until we meet again".

Two men were also killed in the crash. CTV News reported they were two Canadians - Cody Nixon and his cousin James Portuondo.

It was unclear what caused the accident.