Lynnway Auto Auction Crash: 3 Dead, 10 Hurt

BILLERICA, MA — Three people were killed and 10 more were hurt in a horrific scene at the Lynnway Auto Auction in Billerica Wednesday morning after a worker accidentally drove into a crowd, officials said.

A man and two women died when an employee of the Lynnway Auto Auction apparently mistakenly drove a Jeep Grand Cherokee into a crowd of people, according to Middlesex DA Marian Ryan. Police said in a statement there was no evidence to suggest it was an intentional. The driver, in his 70s, accelerated through the cider block wall of the business while striking several people.

The crash occurred at about 10:13 a.m. at the Lynnway Auto Auction. One adult male and one adult female were pronounced dead on the scene. Another adult female died at the hospital. One of the surviving victims has life-threatening injuries. (Stay updated with the very latest. Subscribe to your local Patch.)

The victims have yet to be officially identified, but the brother of one of the victims said his sister was a mother of three who was just hours into her first shift at Lynnfield Auto Auction. Leezandra Aponte of Lowell took the job in part to pay for her daughter's quinceañera.

One witness, Jerome Jjooga, described the horror as "very traumatic."

"Today's incident was a tragedy, but I am grateful for the tremendous response of police, fire, and EMS resources today that likely prevented further loss of life today," Billerica Fire Chief Thomas Conway said in a statement.

The Lynnway Auto Auction moved to North Billerica in August 2011, its website says. It built a hi-tech, eight-lane facility on 58 acres.

"We are very saddened by today’s events at the auction. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the individuals and families affected," the Lynnway Auto Auction said in a statement.

Billerica Rep. Marc Lombardo, who lives near the scene, was one of the first officials to speak. "It's simply a horrific event. I have neighbors and friends who work over there. My heart goes out to everyone involved. Prayers for all involved."

Said Billerica Police Chief Daniel Rosa, "On behalf of the entire Billerica community, I would like to express sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of all of those involved in this tragic incident."

• This story will be updated

Photos of Billerica Police Chief Dan Rosa and Middlesex DA Ryan courtesy John Guilfoil PR and Billerica Police