*Joint Release* Statement from Billerica Police and Fire Chiefs

Police Chief Daniel Rosa and Fire Chief Thomas Conway wish to acknowledge the rapid response of surrounding towns, who sent emergency resources into Billerica during today's critical incident in which a jeep struck several people during an auto action, killing three and injuring approximately 10 other people.

The incident has been classified as a Mass Casualty Incident, which necessitates the rapid response of emergency resources to tend to a large amount of victims with varying degrees of need, ranging from walking wounded to life-threatening injuries.

The Burlington, Bedford, Tewksbury, and Wilmington Fire Departments sent units to the scene, and the Chelmsford and Burlington Fire Department provided station coverage for the vacant Billerica fire houses during the incident.

Trinity Ems Inc. sent ambulances to the scene during the incident, which allowed for patients to be rapidly transported to hospitals.

Lahey Hospital and Medical Center and both Lowell General Hospital and Lowell General Hospital Saints Campus were alerted within minutes and were able to prepare their emergency departments to receive patients.

On the law enforcement side, the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council activated municipal police departments from across Middlesex and Essex County, sending its Rapid Response Team and its mobile command post to the scene, providing much-needed manpower and logistical resources.

The Massachusetts State Police also responded with a number of units.

The chiefs are grateful for the assistance, and the speed and organization of the today's emergency deployments.

"During a mass casualty incident, seconds count for patients Manpower at the scene is critical, but it is just as important that these resources be deployed in a orderly and organized fashion, consistent with best practices of incident command," Chief Conway said. "Today's incident was a tragedy, but I am grateful for the tremendous response of police, fire, and EMS resources today that likely prevented further loss of life today."

At approximately 10:13 a.m. Wednesday, a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee being driven during an auction at Greater Boston LynnWay Auto Auction Inc., located at 400 Charter Way in Billerica, crashed into a crowd of people and through a cinder block outer wall. One male and two female patients died and at least nine other people were injured. The incident remains under investigation.

"I am grateful for the strong working relationships that exist among public safety agencies in Massachusetts," Chief Rosa. "On behalf of the entire Billerica community, I would like to express sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of all of those involved in this tragic incident."

Cox Media Group