Jeep Grand Cherokee Plows into Massachusetts Auto Auction, Killing Three People

Jeep Grand Cherokee Plows into Massachusetts Auto Auction, Killing Three People

The May 3 incident at Lynnway Auto Auction near Boston occurred when the driver of a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee “waiting to enter the auction suddenly accelerated and entered the building at a very high rate of speed,” ABC News reported.

Lynnway Auto Auction’s website boasts of an eight-lane facility on a 58-acre campus.

A vehicle crash at a Massachusetts auto auction killed three people and injured nine others, according to news reports.

The May 3 incident at Lynnway Auto Auction near Boston occurred when the driver of a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee “waiting to enter the auction suddenly accelerated and entered the building at a very high rate of speed,” ABC News reported, citing law enforcement officials.

Officials said the driver is a male, in his 70s, who works at Lynnway Auto Auction, according to ABC News.

Several hundred bargain hunters and car dealers were inside the building and a few hundred people were outside the building when the incident occurred, ABC News reported.

After hitting a dozen bystanders, the Jeep Grand Cherokee plowed through a cinderblock wall, according to news reports.

The three fatalities included 36-year-old mother Leezandra Aponte, who had just started her first day on the job at the auto auction, according to news reports.

No Evidence of Terrorism

In a news release, the Massachusetts State Police said “there is no evidence or information to suggest the incident was caused by an intentional or terrorist act,” based on the agency’s preliminary investigation.

“All evidence and information at this time suggests an accidental cause,” the department added.

Lynnway Auto Auction moved to Billerica, Mass., in 2011, according to the company’s website, and boasts of an eight-lane facility on a 58-acre campus.

On its Facebook page, the auto auction posted a message thanking “all those who acted as first responders” when the incident occurred.

“To the Billerica police and fire departments, thank you for your quick arrival and professional handling of the incident,” the auto auction says on its Facebook page.

Lynnway Auto Auction also posted a message expressing “thoughts and prayers” for everyone affected by the incident.

“We are shaken and deeply saddened by the unfortunate accident at Lynnway today,” the company posted on May 3.

 

You May Also Like

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Texas Veteran

The NABC, GEICO and Caliber Collision recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving  Texas veteran.

The National Auto Body Council (NABC), along with GEICO and Caliber Collision, recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving  Texas veteran via the NABC's Recycled Rides program.

The presentation took place at the Lone Star Changing and Saving Lives Golf Tournament at the Texas Star Golf Course. The 2018 Kia Soul was donated by GEICO, and the team at Caliber Collision Dallas fully refurbished the car.

Crash Champions Acquires Fender Mender Collision in Encinitas, Calif.

Crash Champions now operates a network of more than 100 locations across the state of California.

CAPA Elects New Members to Board of Directors and Technical Committee

The Certified Automotive Parts Association has announced the election of four members to its board of directors and three members to its technical committee.

Axalta Named 2023 General Motors Supplier of the Year

GM selects winners based on performance, innovation, cultural alignment with GM’s values and commitment to achieving GM’s ambitious goals.

Crash Champions Hosts Biannual Operations Leadership Conference

The three-day event featured presentations from Crash Champions Founder and CEO Matt Ebert, executive leadership, senior operations leaders and more.

Other Posts

Driven Brands Collision Buzz Podcast Wins Awards

The Collision Buzz podcast won two awards from the U.S. Podcast Association (USPA).

CIF Announces United Recyclers Group as Repeat Annual Donor

This marks U.R.G.’s fourth consecutive donation at the Urgent Care tier.

Salem Auto Body: Since the 1920s

Salem Auto Body is located down the road from Gallows Hill, where Bridget Bishop was hanged in 1692 as part of the Salem witch trials.

Classic Collision Adds New Location in Washington State

Classic Collision has announced the acquisition of Blue Sky Auto Body in Tacoma, Wash.