Deadliest Massachusetts Workplace Accident in a Decade Claims Fourth Life

A fourth person has died from injuries suffered when a Jeep Cherokee SUV sped through a crowd at the LynnWay Auto Auction in Billerica, Massachusetts. Four people have now died as a result of the May 3 accident, making it the deadliest workplace accident in Massachusetts this century.

The 2006 Jeep, driven by an employee in his 70s who had a suspended driver’s license, tore through a crowd of hundreds who had gathered for a weekly used car auto auction. Three people were killed the day of the accident, and nine were taken to area hospitals.

Jim Lamb, LynnWay Auto Auction president, issued a statement stating that the employee had a valid driver’s license at the time he was hired and that the business was unaware that the employee’s license had been suspended.

The Middlesex District Attorney is continuing to investigate and no charges have been filed. LynnWay resumed auto auctions on May 10 with new safety measures in place, including safety barriers around the lanes used by drivers to move vehicles through the building.

Doug Sheff is a founder of the Massachusetts Workplace Safety Task Force, and an advocate for stronger rules to protect workers in all professions. The team of Boston personal injury lawyers at Sheff Law provides expert, compassionate support for people and families impacted by workplace accidents and wrongful death. Contact us online for a free consultation, or call us at 1-888-423-4477. There is no obligation and no fee for services unless a settlement or verdict is awarded.