Purdue's Boilermaker Special in Fatal Crash: One Dead, Two Injured

Govind Tekale

The Purdue Boilermaker Special VII crossed the median on U.S. 52 yesterday, killing one woman in a head-on collision that shocked the university community.

Photo Source: PurdueReamerClub ( CC BY-SA 4.0)

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Witnesses report seeing a tire blow out on the Special before it veered wildly across the median into oncoming traffic near Wyandotte Road.

Photo Source: Niko Desmon (Pexels)

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"I saw it blow a tire, cross the median, and plow into the car behind me," Stockwell resident Lyndsay Lehr told reporters at the scene

Photo Credits: Angela Ganote

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Two occupants of the Boilermaker Special received treatment at a local hospital, while forensic autopsy for the unidentified female victim is scheduled for April 28.

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This marks the first fatal incident in the 80-year history of Purdue's beloved mascot vehicle, raising serious questions about its highway safety protocols.

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U.S. 52 has averaged five median-crossover crashes yearly over the past decade, with three fatalities in 2024 alone – could better barriers have prevented this tragedy?

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Traffic safety engineer Dr. Karen Liang points to the Special's high center of gravity as potentially making it vulnerable to tire-failure-induced swerves.

Photo Credits: Eric Lewis (CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Emergency responders faced delays extracting victims due to rough terrain and poor sight lines at the crash site – prompting calls for improved roadway safety features.

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Purdue President Mung Chiang has ordered a complete review of mascot vehicle safety protocols following the unprecedented accident.

Photo Credits: VINITH KISHORE K

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Student government representatives have called for an independent safety audit while the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office investigation continues.

Photo  Chris Yarzab(CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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Local legislators now propose allocating part of Indiana's next highway budget specifically for median barrier installations on U.S. 52.

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What happens when a symbol of university pride becomes entangled in unexpected tragedy? The Purdue community now faces this painful question.

Photo Credits: theresamat (CC BY-ND 2.0)

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