1 Dead, 2 Others Injured After Purdue University’s Mascot Train Involved in Fatal Crash

One person is dead and two others are injured after Purdue University’s mascot train was involved in a deadly crash on an Indiana highway.

On Thursday, April 24, the Boilermaker Special vehicle was traveling on U.S. 52 at Wyandotte Road in southeastern Tippecanoe County when it collided with a car, ABC News reported.

The driver of the vehicle was killed, while two passengers — a 20-year-old and a 22-year-old — were transported to a local hospital after suffering non-life-threatening injuries, according to the outlet.

“We can confirm our Boilermaker Special was involved in a serious multi-vehicle accident in Tippecanoe County on April 24,” Purdue University said in a statement.

“Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the incident,” the school continued, adding that “the two students who were on the Special have been treated and released from the hospital.”

The Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) believes the accident was caused by a “tire malfunction” that caused the vehicle to cross the median and collide with a passenger vehicle traveling in the opposite direction, per ABC News and local outlet WTHR.

“The Sheriff’s Office is continuing with our investigation into any additional mechanical issues that may be related to the crash,” the TCSO said in a statement shared with ABC News.

The organization is being assisted by the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Division amid the investigation.

The university states that the vehicle, which serves as Purdue’s official mascot, can drive up to 75 mph.

The TCSO did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Friday, April 25.