TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. — Purdue University’s train – the “Boilermaker Special” – was involved in a deadly crash on US 52.
Local police officials said the crash involved the train and a passenger car. The driver of the car reportedly died, while two students on board the train were taken to a local hospital. Purdue University later confirmed that the students have been released from the hospital.
According to the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred just before 4 p.m. Thursday on US Highway 52 South near the intersection of Wyandotte Road. The crash site is about 11 miles southeast of Purdue University’s campus in West Lafayette.
The TCSO added in a press release that the Boilermaker Special crossed the median for an unknown reason while moving north, then collided with a passenger car traveling south.
Purdue University later confirmed the crash in a statement posted on their website:
“We can confirm our Boilermaker Special was involved in a serious multi-vehicle accident in Tippecanoe County this afternoon,” spokesperson Trevor Peters said. “Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the incident.”
According to INDOT, all lanes of the area are closed for an “unknown duration” due to a “fatal crash.” The victim killed in the crash has not yet been identified.
The Indiana State Police and local Sheriff’s Office are now investigating. They are assisted by Sheffield Fire, Tippecanoe County Emergency Management and the Tippecanoe County Coroner’s Office, the TCSO wrote.
This article will be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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