At least three people are dead and more than a dozen others injured after a car sped through an indoor auto auction in Massachusetts Wednesday morning.
The crash happened just after 10 a.m. at the LynnWay Auto Auction in Billerica, about 20 miles outside of Boston. The crash happened roughly 90 minutes before the auction was to begin.
A 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee was in one of the lanes that lead into the building when the driver suddenly accelerated or lost control and hit several people before crashing through a wall, according to eyewitnesses who spoke to ABC affiliate WCVB Channel 5 and the Associated Press. The driver was described as an “elderly” man who may have been physically disabled. WCVB spoke to several witnesses who speculated the driver may have had a “medical episode” when he accelerated, though investigators have not commented on the driver.
Massachusetts State Police said the crash is being considered accidental for now.
“At this point, there is no evidence or information to suggest the incident was caused by an intentional or terrorist act. All evidence and information at this time suggests an accidental cause,” MSP said in a statement.
The 58-acre warehouse-like facility has eight lanes leading into the building, with people packed in between the lanes. As a car is auctioned, a driver takes it at low speed up to a desk where attendees can bid on it.
The LynnWay Auction released a brief statement via Facebook, saying: “We are very saddened by today’s events at the auction. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the individuals and families affected.”
This is a developing story. Check back for more information.
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