LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Police say a tire malfunction may have caused the Purdue University mascot vehicle known as the Boilermaker Special to cross a median Thursday afternoon in Tippecanoe County and collide with an oncoming vehicle resulting in the death of the other driver and injury to two students.
"The Sheriff's Office is continuing with our investigation into any additional mechanical issues that may be related to the crash," according to the late Friday morning update provided by Tippecanoe County police.
Police say a 20-year-old from Noblesville, Indiana, was driving the train-shaped mascot vehicle at the time of the crash and was joined by a 22-year-old from Rockport, Indiana. Both of the university students were reportedly treated at an area hospital following the crash and later released.
The Purdue Boilermaker Special, the university's official mascot, pictured during a visit to the Region in 2011.
"The coroner’s office is continuing to work on family notification for the driver of the passenger vehicle," county police said.
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Toxicology testing is being done on both drivers as part of the investigation, police said.
The sheriff's office said it received multiple 911 calls at 3:58 p.m. Thursday about a vehicle crash on U.S. 52 at Wyandotte Road in the southeastern portion of the county.
A preliminary investigation revealed the mascot vehicle was traveling north on U.S. 52 when it crossed the median and collided with a southbound passenger car, police said.
"The sole occupant of the passenger vehicle was fatally injured," according to county police.
The Tippecanoe County Corner's Office confirmed Friday morning one person died as a result of the crash, but said no identification or further details were yet available.
"Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the incident,"ÌýÌýaccording to the university based in West Lafayette, Indiana.
The Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Division is reportedly assisting county police with the ongoing investigation.
The Boilermaker Special is said to be the "largest, fastest, heaviest, and loudest collegiate mascot," according toÌýthe vehicle's caregiver, the .
The vehicle has travelled around the country to appear at university football games and private events, and can travel up to 75 mph, the group says.
