The Purdue Boilermakers’ mascot was involved in a fatal accident last week that left one person dead and two others seriously injured.
The popular train mascot, the Boilermaker Special, reportedly slammed into another vehicle while traveling down highway US 52 on Thursday, killing its driver. Two people on the train were hospitalized but have since been discharged.
The iconic train mascot of Purdue University – the Boilermaker Special – was involved in a crash that killed one and hospitalized two.
— Local 12/WKRC-TV (@Local12) April 25, 2025
READ MORE: https://t.co/lw3cmuDOSc pic.twitter.com/GOzgYmtOvi
According to WKRC, the accident was likely due to a “possible tire malfunction.”
“The person in the other vehicle reportedly died in the crash, and the two individuals in the Boilermaker Special were taken to the hospital and subsequently released,” the outlet stated.
University Confirms Purdue Boilermakers Tragedy
The university has since released a statement in which it confirms that two students were treated for injuries and released from hospital.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NCAA stories via Google! Follow Us
“We can confirm our Boilermaker Special was involved in a serious multi-vehicle accident in Tippecanoe County this afternoon. Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the incident,” the statement reads.
Social media users conveyed sympathies, while some suggested that having the Boilermaker Special on highways is not worth the potential adverse outcomes.
The mascot is not a real train but the chassis of a truck modified to look like a Victorian-era steam engine.
Our hearts go out to the family impacted by this tragedy. We pray that they find some comfort during this difficult time.
Also Read: Purdue Cheerleader Belly-Flops Into Rain Puddle During Game Vs. Minnesota
