The firefighters who died in the fire at Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire on Thursday have been named as Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, while the member of the public who died is David Chester, 57.
In a statement on Friday evening, Thames Valley Police (TVP) said: “We are now in a position to confirm the formal identification of those who have died. The firefighters who died are Jennie Logan, aged 30, of Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service and Martyn Sadler, aged 38 of both Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue and The London Fire Brigade.
“The member of the public who died is David Chester, aged 57 from Bicester. The families are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.”
TVP said that its Major Crime Team has opened an unexplained death investigation, which is not currently a criminal investigation, and that it will continue to have officers at Bicester Motion to ensure public safety.
Bicester Motion is home to more than 50 specialist businesses focused on classic car restoration and engineering (Photo: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)Fire and rescue personnel are still attending the scene, dampening down the fire, and once safe, TVP investigators will begin inquiries.
Assistant Chief Constable at Thames Valley Police, Tim Metcalfe, said: “This is an absolute tragedy and my thoughts and the thoughts of everyone at Thames Valley Police are with [their] families, friends and colleagues.”
The Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire has said the King would want to “pass on his sincerest condolences to all those affected” by the fire at Bicester Motion.
In a statement, Marjorie Neasham Glasgow, the King’s representative in the county, said: “I know that His Majesty The King would want me to pass on his sincerest condolences to all those affected by the tragic news of yesterday’s fire at Bicester Motion.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives and with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service who mourn the loss of their colleagues, and who put themselves in harm’s way for the safety of others.
“We think of all those who have worked tirelessly to develop Bicester Motion into the world-class enterprise it is today, and on a site of historical importance.
“We offer our support and heartfelt sympathy to them all.”
The two firefighters died while tackling the blaze at the former RAF base.
Another two firefighters suffered serious injuries and are currently in hospital.
Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the fire, which prompted a major response and warnings for local residents to stay indoors.
London fire commissioner Andy Roe said one of the fatalities was a leading London firefighter and sub-officer who was on retained duty with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS).
Black smoke seen and ‘multiple bangs’ heard
Eyewitnesses said they saw “black” smoke in the sky from the other side of town.A social media user shared images of massive black plumes of smoke coming from the site, adding they had heard “multiple explosions”.
Kieran McGurk, a product director who lives opposite Bicester Motion – formerly known as Bicester Heritage – said he heard “multiple bangs” and saw a plume of smoke while out walking.
Nav Jordan, 39, said she was “really worried” when she could see smoke from her garden.
She said: “We were actually in the garden with the kids and then all of a sudden we saw the flames glowing up at the back, and we did wonder what it was.
A fire engine leaves Bicester Motion (Photo: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)“We were quite concerned if it was one of the houses over there, because we know all the neighbours and everyone in the local area.
“So, my husband went for a walk just to go have a look and just saw the flames sort of going up.”
She added: “You could hear the crackling, it was loud. There were a few explosions as well. Sounds of things exploding, which is when we worked out it must have been Bicester Heritage.”
Aisha Lang, 45, said her cousin, a firefighter, was at the scene on Thursday night but is safe.
She said: “I haven’t heard anything from him because I was in London last night and working today.
“But thank God he’s safe though, he made it out all right.”
One Bicester resident, who asked not to be named, said neighbours began to congregate on his street after the fire broke out.
He said: “Everyone was all in a panic and no one knew what was happening. It was quite scary.
“Then we were all told to stay inside with the windows shut. I only really found out what was happening on social media.”
Michelle McCann, 44, said fire sounded like a car exhaust due to it being so close.
She said: “We just heard a bang. I was actually working, so we literally just shut all our windows because we could see the smoke.
Smoke seen near the scene of a fire at Bicester Aerodrome (Photo: @kajer87/Kieran McG/PA Wire)“It was loud. To me it just sounded like a car exhaust because obviously of how close it was. A big bang.”
Janine McKenna Jones, 48, described seeing “massive black ash” near her home.
She said: “They closed the road at some point in the evening and I think it was closed until maybe 5am because you could still see the flashing lights.
“It felt very apocalyptic, if that makes sense, because you see the sky and there’s this big black cloud of smoke.”
She said she is still keeping windows shut at her home due to the smell of smoke.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the deaths as “devastating news”, adding: “The bravery of our firefighters is astounding.
“Hoping those in hospital make a full and swift recovery.”
Philip Garrigan, chief of the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: “I am devastated by the news that two firefighters have lost their lives responding to a major incident in Bicester on Thursday evening.
“I am also deeply saddened that a member of the public has also died in the incident.
“Our firefighters are the very best of us, their courage and compassion is what make them so very special.
“My thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.”
Chief fire officer Rob MacDougall said it is “with a very heavy heart that we today report the loss of two of our firefighters”.
Police officers patrol at a cordon near the scene at Bicester Motion, the site of a former RAF base. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA WireHe said: “Families have been informed and are being supported.”
According to Historic England, the famous airfield is the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase in Britain.
The site is now home to classic car restoration and engineering businesses.
In a statement, Bicester Motion said the deaths of the two firefighters and a “close friend of the site” were “tragic”.
They said: “There are no words at times like this, but our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones.
“We pray for the two firefighters in hospital.
“The bravery shown by the emergency services teams has been overwhelming.
“We are grateful for all the support and especially the exceptional work by all in such unprecedented circumstances.”
Flowers laid outside Bicester Fire Station
Jason Pearce, 51, was among those laying flowers outside Bicester Fire Station with his children.
He said: “I think the job that the fire brigade do really goes unnoticed.
“The firefighters that lost their lives really epitomise everything that the fire department does, gave their lives to the needs of many, many others.
“That really says it all.
“I think the tragedy that unfolded today really shows you how the community of Bicester will come together.
“There’s no words for it, are there?”
Dave Ward, 81, a retired firefighter, laid a bunch of flowers at the scene and saluted to the tribute.
Floral tributes are seen outside Bicester Fire Station (Photo: Emily Smith/PA Wire)He said: “I retired in 1988 but I’ve served in London and I now understand that one of the guys was from London.”
Speaking through tears he added: “Nobody will understand what a great family it is to be in the fire service.
“We’re all brothers wherever we serve.
“Things have become a lot safer, when I was serving quite a few guys lost their lives but things have come a long way since then so its more of note now really.”
Cards read: “Our hearts have broken for the loss of two heroes. All our love and prayers.
“With deepest sympathy and condolences to the friends, family, loved ones and colleagues.”
A message left from Thames Valley Police reads: “To my Red Light Family, in memory of two heroes. With deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to family and friends. Always in our thoughts, your Blue Light Family (TVP)”
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Firefighters and member of public killed in major fire at former RAF base named )
Also on site :
- World Bank says Saudi Arabia and Qatar have paid off Syria’s outstanding debt
- 'Hocus Pocus' Child Star Looks So Sophisticated in New Red Carpet Photos
- Yet another docu-series about Deion Sanders is currently in the works