A fatal vehicle crash occurred at Lynnway Auto Auction in Billerica, Mass., on Wednesday morning.

In a statement released Wednesday evening by the office of Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, officials confirmed that three people died from a collision at the auction. Nine were hospitalized.

At the time of another news release from the DA's office Thursday evening, one remained hospitalized with serious injuries. The DA released the names of the deceased in Thursday’s statement:  Brenda Lopez, 48, and Pantaleon Santos, 49, who were pronounced dead at the scene; and Leezandra Aponte, 36, who died from her injuries after being transported to a local hospital.

The DA's office indicated that a male Lynnway Auto Auction employee in his 70s was driving a 2006 Jeep at 10:13 a.m. (ET) during the auction's weekly sale when the vehicle accelerated through a wall at the auction and hit multiple people.  

Along with the DA's office, the Billerica Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police CARS unit are investigating the accident. Officials do not believe it was intentional, based on a preliminary investigation.

In a joint release from the Billerica police and fire chiefs on Wednesday, officials said: 

"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 auction, 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 statement continued. 

"The Burlington, Bedford, Tewksbury, and Wilmington Fire Departments sent units to the scene, and the Chelmsford and Burlington Fire Departments 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 was alerted within minutes and was able to prepare its emergency department 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." 

In the statement, police chief Conway said: "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.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."

Fire chief Rosa added: "I am grateful for the strong working relationships that exist among public safety agencies in Massachusetts. 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."

Earlier in the day, the Massachusetts State Police  — which on Twitter said it was assisting the local police — said in a statement posted to its website: "Preliminary investigation at the scene of the crash at Lynnway Auto Auctions in Billerica indicate that there are fatalities among the multiple victims.

"At this point, there is no evidence or information to suggest the incident was caused by an intentional or terrorist act. All evidence and information at this time suggests an accidental cause. The investigation by Billerica and State Police is ongoing. No further information is available at this time."

The state police also tweeted on Wednesday that it was dispatching crash reconstruction and crime scene teams to the auction, along with its detectives in the Middlesex County District Attorney’s office.

When reached via direct message on Twitter, Billerica police referred Auto Remarketing to the DA’s office, which was handling media requests.

Lynnway Auto Auction posted this message on its Facebook page Wednesday: "We are shaken and deeply saddened by the unfortunate accident at Lynnway today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the individuals and families affected by this event." 

Social media accounts of auto auctions have posted condolences for those affected.

Dealers Auto Auction of the Southwest tweeted, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the individuals and families affected by the unfortunate accident today at Lynnway Auto Auction."

"This is a sad day for everyone in the auto auction industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lynnway Auto Auction. #AuctionFamily," tweeted Manheim New England, which is located in North Dighton, which is located 62 miles north of Lynnway.

Manheim Statesville tweeted: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the individuals and families affected by the unfortunate accident today at Lynnway Auto Auction."