Two firefighters and a member of public die as 'explosions heard' at ex-RAF base
Two firefighters and a member of the public have died following a fire at a former RAF base.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to Bicester Motion, a historic motoring and aviation centre situated on the former airbase, at around 6.39pm last night, sending ten crews to the scene of what they described as a "serious incident", reports the Mirror.
The deaths of the three people have been confirmed, with two more firefighters having been seriously injured, after the blaze in Bicester, Oxfordshire County Council said.
Oxfordshire County Council said in a statement: "Firefighters and Oxfordshire County Council colleagues are today mourning the loss of two firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty while dealing with a major incident in Bicester on the evening of Thursday, 15 May.
"A member of the public also sadly died in the incident. Two further firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently in hospital.
"Ten fire crews attended the incident at Bicester Motion having been called to the scene at 18:39. Four crews remain at the scene with the fire now under control."
Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall added: '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.
'We cannot release any details at present but will provide further information as soon as we can.'
The council said four crews remain at the scene as the blaze is now under control.
Kieran McGurk, a product director who lives opposite Bicester Motion, said he heard "multiple bangs" and saw a plume of smoke while out walking. It is believed the fire started at a hangar on the site in northern Bicester, off the A4421 Buckingham Road.
He told PA: "As we walked home and got closer to the smoke it seemed to get blacker and we heard the sirens.
"Multiple fire engines and police cars went past us and as we got to the corner at the bottom of the road ash started to fall and you could see the sheer scale of what was happening.
"Loud bangs have been constantly going off and multiple helicopters are still circling the site."
The fire service said last night: "We would advise people to avoid the area, and for local residents to remain indoors and shut all windows until further notice." Dozens of businesses in Oxfordshire will remain closed all weekend following a major fire on the former RAF base yesterday.
Before the deaths were confirmed, local councillor Sam Holland spoke about the fire at Bicester Motion - home to more than 50 specialist businesses focused on classic car restoration and engineering.
"I saw it (the fire) from a distance," Mr Holland told PA. "There's lots of emergency vehicles. Bicester Motion were meeting there earlier. I had spoken to someone as they were leaving. I hope there is nobody hurt or worse."
Historic England claim the iconic airfield is "the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase" in Britain.
Bicester Motion previously said in a statement: "Further to the incident, emergency services have been called and are attending on-site.
"We appreciate the concern from local residents and wish to communicate that the company is working with the emergency services. At their direction the site will be closed today and over the weekend. A further statement will be made as appropriate."
Roads have reopened in and around Bicester following the fire. Oxfordshire County Council wrote on X: "Roads have now reopened, and advice to remain indoors has been lifted. However, people should avoid the area and expect traffic delays in Bicester this morning."
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