Fatal Billerica Mass Casualty Crash: First Responders Commended

BILLERICA, MA — It was a horrific scene — a worker at a crowded Billerica car auction accidentally drove into the crowd, killing three and injuring 10 Wednesday — but officials said the toll could have been much worse if not for the work of dozens of first responders. The mass casualty incident happened Wednesday morning at the Lynnway Auto Auction. An investigation is ongoing but police have said everything points to the incident being an accident.

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A man and two women were among the dead. Their identities have not yet been released. Of the injured, all but one has been released from the hospital, according to CBS Boston. That person remains at Lowell General Hospital with unknown injuries, according to CBS.

Meanwhile, Billerica officials commended first responders who encountered a chaotic scene.

"The Town extends ... deepest sympathies to the victim’s families and the Lynnway Auto family," Billerica officials said in a statement. "We are also grateful to the mutual aid response from our neighboring communities and private paramedic companies. All Public Safety personnel performed admirably in what was one of the worst mass casualty events in recent local history."

The crash occurred at about 10:13 a.m. at the Lynnway Auto Auction. The driver, in his 70s, accelerated through the cider block wall of the business while striking several people, according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.

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.

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• Lynnway Auto Auction Crash: 3 Dead, 10 Hurt

Photo: The scene of a deadly crash in Billerica May 3, 2017 at the Lynnway Auto Auction. (Credit: WHDH/7News)

Mike Carraggi (Patch National Staff) contributed to this report