Tragedy for Purdue University and the Boilermakers’ famous mascot … it’s been involved in a deadly crash in Indiana.
The iconic train mascot of Purdue University – the Boilermaker Special – was involved in a crash that killed one and hospitalized two.
READ MORE: https://t.co/lw3cmuDOSc pic.twitter.com/GOzgYmtOvi
— Local 12/WKRC-TV (@Local12) April 25, 2025
@Local12
Purdue’s mascot — the Boilermaker Special — was involved in an accident Thursday that claimed one life and put two people in the hospital … according to multiple reports.
The Boilermaker Special looks like a locomotive, but it’s actually a truck customized to look like a steam locomotive from the Victorian era.
The fatal crash happened on highway US 52 in Tippecanoe County … and footage from the wreck shows a mangled mess.
Purdue’s Boilermaker Special was involved in a deadly crash Thursday afternoon.
Deputies believe the college mascot had a “possible tire malfunction” when it crossed the center line and hit a car.
MORE: https://t.co/exr3KX0Sq2
(📸: Purdue Exponent) pic.twitter.com/EuyVWO0yrD
— WTHR.com (@WTHRcom) April 25, 2025
@WTHRcom
Two people riding in the Boilermaker Special were hospitalized and then discharged … but the person in the other vehicle died as a result of the crash.
Law enforcement says the Boilermaker Special appears to have suffered a possible tire malfunction and crossed the center line, crashing into the other car head-on.
The victim here has yet to be identified.
RIP
