The victims of a crash at a local auto auction were remembered Wednesday by their friends and colleagues.
The Lynnway Auto Auction held a memorial service as it reopened its door for the weekly auction, a week after three people were killed and several others injured. An auction worker in his 70’s was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee when it suddenly accelerated, crashed into the crowd and then through a wall.
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The memorial service and facility were closed to the media so people could mourn privately.
"The service was very emotional, and the minister he spoke to kind of ease all the workers' minds," said Lynette Johnson, a worker.
The president of the Lynnway Auto Auction said the Lynnway community is a close group of people and everyone felt the impact of last week’s tragedy.
Dealers at the weekly Wednesday auction said there were major changes when they walked through the doors.
"In the old days it was like a circus, now it's like an organized organization," said Peter Mueller, an auto dealer.
There are now yellow safety barriers set up between the lanes and dealers dealers are now required to wear their IDS on their shirts. They also can no longer approach the drivers in the cars that are up for auction.
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Employee Scott Richards also showed Boston 25 News the bright orange hat all staff now wear as part of an increased security detail inside the building.
In a statement, the president of the auction said would be increasing the number of first responders and the personnel on the safety team beginning Wednesday.
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“We also plan to meet with the drivers to reinforce safety practices and make sure that an overabundance of caution is maintained at all times,” Lynnway Auto Auction President Jim Lamb said in a statement. “Also we will be installing barriers, or bollards, to help keep vehicles from veering out of their intended lanes.”
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The crash is still under investigation.