News

Billerica auto auction company had serious OSHA violations in 2014

BILLERICA, Mass. — OSHA is investigating after three were killed and several people injured at a Billerica auto auction Wednesday morning.

SCROLL FOR VIDEO

OSHA has already sent an inspector to the scene at the Lynnway Auto Auction. DA Marian Ryan said that an employee was taking a Jeep out for showing when, for reasons still under investigation, he shot through the crowd at a high speed, hitting several people and crashing into a cement wall.

Ryan said there were hundreds of people at the weekly auto auction.

In 2014, OSHA cited Lynnway Auto Auction for two serious violations. The first violation said the employer didn't require traffic control devices among moving vehicles. while employees were performing maintenance tasks. OSHA provided the example of having traffic cones, caution tape, barriers and a spotter to help protect employees.

The other violation was for unused opening in the electrical panels, cabinets and motor control centers were not effectively closed in the manager's office.

Photos from the scene of a crash at the Lynnway Auto Auction in Billerica. We're live on Boston 25: boston25.com/2qsr7co

Posted by Boston 25 News on Wednesday, May 3, 2017

The total fines initially levied were $6,300, but as part of the settlement and agreement to new safety standards, the fines were lowered to $2,200 and therefore resolved.

While OSHA is investigating, the District Attorney's office will also be investigating and Ryan said she anticipates that it will be "lengthy."

READ MORE: Three dead and nine are seriously injured after a Jeep Cherokee drove through a busy auto auction house Wednesday