Cliff Notes
- A large fire at Bicester Motion, a former RAF base in Oxfordshire, resulted in the tragic deaths of two firefighters and a civilian.
- Two additional firefighters sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment in hospital; the cause of the fire remains undetermined.
- Local officials and community members expressed their condolences, highlighting the bravery of emergency responders during the incident.
Two firefighters and one other person die after fire at former RAF base in Oxfordshire | UK News
Two firefighters and a member of the public have died in a large fire in Bicester, the fire service announced.
The firefighters died while fighting the inferno at a former RAF base in Oxfordshire, which now hosts historic motoring and aviation centre Bicester Motion.
Bicester Motion said in a statement that “a close friend of the site” also died in the blaze.
The local fire service was called to the scene at 6.39pm last night.
Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall said: “It is with a very heavy heart that we today report the loss of two of our firefighters. Families have been informed and are being supported.
“Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult of times and we ask for privacy to be respected.”
Local councillor Liam Walker also shared the “devastating” news of the three deaths, adding that his “thoughts are with the families and friends at this difficult time”.
Two other firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently being treated in hospital, Oxfordshire County Council said in a statement.
Footage shared on social media shows black plumes of smoke billowing into the sky and flames swallowing the large building.
Kieran McGurk, who lives opposite Bicester Motion, said he heard “multiple explosions” and “loud bangs”.