Two firefighters and a member of the public have died following a major blaze at a former RAF base in Oxfordshire.
Emergency services were called to the Bicester Motion business complex, off the A4421 Buckingham Road, at around 6.40pm on Thursday evening (15th May).
Oxfordshire County Council has confirmed that two firefighters lost their lives while responding to the incident. A civilian also died during the fire.
Two more firefighters suffered serious injuries and are currently being treated in hospital.
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.
“We cannot release any details at present but will provide further information as soon as we can.”
Ten fire engines were sent to tackle the blaze, supported by police officers and ambulance crews.
At 9.30am today (Friday), four fire crews remained at the site, with the situation described as “under control”.
Specialist equipment including a hydraulic platform, a water carrier, a command unit and a high volume pumping unit are still in use at the scene.
Earlier safety advice for residents to stay indoors and keep windows closed has now been withdrawn. Roads that were previously shut are being reopened, though heavy traffic is causing delays.
