Shocking Big Ten Mascot Tragedy Caught on Camera—You Won’t Believe What Happened Next
Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction—take this for instance: Purdue’s beloved Boilermaker Special, that iconic train mascot known to chug onto the football field and speed down highways, ended up at the center of a heartbreaking tragedy last week in Indiana. Could you have ever imagined a mascot—literally a moving, breathing, or well… rolling symbol of school spirit—being involved in a fatal highway crash? It’s a jarring reminder that even the most cherished traditions aren’t immune to misfortune. On April 24th, what’s believed to be a tire malfunction led the Boilermaker Special to cross into oncoming traffic, resulting in a deadly collision and shaking the Big Ten community to its core. Purdue confirmed the incident with heavy hearts, and while the students aboard were treated and released, one life was lost, and many more affected. As we grapple with the surreal mix of mascot lore and real-world tragedy, our thoughts are with everyone touched by this unsettling event. Sometimes, you just have to pause and wonder—what’s the story behind the symbol? LEARN MORE.
A Big Ten mascot was involved in a fatal car accident in Indiana last week.
The Big Ten is home to some of the most famous mascots in the world. Ohio State has Brutus Buckeye, Michigan State has Sparty, Nebraska has Lil’ Red. Purdue, meanwhile, has the Boilermaker Special. It’s an actual train that can be driven onto the football field – or driven up to 75 MPH on a highway.
Tragically, the mascot was involved in a fatal accident on a highway in Indiana last week.
Last Thursday, April 24, the Boilermaker Special was driving when it’s believed to have had a tire problem. It slid across the median and onto oncoming traffic, colliding with another vehicle.
One person was killed, while multiple others were taken to the hospital.
“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,” Purdue confirmed in a statement.
“The two students who were on the Special have been treated and released from the hospital.”
Purdue University Statement on Boilermaker Special Crash (April 24, 2025)
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.
— Purdue University (@LifeAtPurdue) April 24, 2025
Photos have since emerged of the accident and they are pretty terrible.
“Purdue’s Boilermaker Special was involved in a deadly crash Thursday afternoon,” WTHR reported.
“Deputies believe the college mascot had a “possible tire malfunction” when it crossed the center line and hit a car.”
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
Our thoughts continue to be with the friends and family members of the victim this week.
May they rest in peace.
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