Bicester fire Tragedy: Three dead including two firefighters at former RAF base
A devastating fire at Bicester Motion, a historic motoring and aviation centre located on a former RAF base in Oxfordshire, has claimed the lives of two firefighters and a member of the public.
Firefighter teams rush to the scene in Oxfordshire business park.
SHARE:
According to officials, a third victim, identified as a friend of the Bicester Motion site, also lost their life.
Firefighters teams rush to the scene in Oxfordshire business park. Credit: @Eastleighbusman
Two more firefighters were seriously injured and remain in hospital receiving treatment.
The blaze broke out on Thursday evening, prompting a significant emergency response.
Emergency teams responded swiftly to the fire, which broke out shortly after 6:30 PM on Thursday.
Eyewitnesses described thick black smoke visible across Bicester, with some reporting loud blasts as the fire spread.
Authorities warned nearby residents to stay indoors and keep windows shut due to safety concerns.
Fire Chief Rob MacDougall confirmed the fatalities, describing the loss as “heart-breaking.” He said the families of the deceased had been notified and are being supported during this difficult time.
Keir Starmer called the incident “devastating news” and praised the courage of the responders “The bravery of our firefighters is astounding.”
Police and fire crews remained at the scene on Friday, as investigations into the cause of the blaze continue.
Bicester Motion occupies the grounds of a former Royal Air Force station, considered one of the most historically intact airbases in the UK. In recent years, it has evolved into a centre for motoring innovation, with over 50 specialist firms working in vehicle restoration, design, and engineering.
This is a developing story, we will bring you more details as they come. Please refresh the page to update.
HeadlineBicester fire Tragedy: Three dead including two firefighters at former RAF base
Short HeadlineBicester blazes claims three lives
StandfirstA devastating fire at Bicester Motion, a historic motoring and aviation centre located on a former RAF base in Oxfordshire, has claimed the lives of two firefighters and a member of the public.
According to officials, a third victim, identified as a friend of the Bicester Motion site, also lost their life.
Firefighters teams rush to the scene in Oxfordshire business park. Credit: @Eastleighbusman
Two more firefighters were seriously injured and remain in hospital receiving treatment.
The blaze broke out on Thursday evening, prompting a significant emergency response.
Emergency teams responded swiftly to the fire, which broke out shortly after 6:30 PM on Thursday.
Eyewitnesses described thick black smoke visible across Bicester, with some reporting loud blasts as the fire spread.
Authorities warned nearby residents to stay indoors and keep windows shut due to safety concerns.
Fire Chief Rob MacDougall confirmed the fatalities, describing the loss as “heart-breaking.” He said the families of the deceased had been notified and are being supported during this difficult time.
Keir Starmer called the incident “devastating news” and praised the courage of the responders “The bravery of our firefighters is astounding.”
Police and fire crews remained at the scene on Friday, as investigations into the cause of the blaze continue.
Bicester Motion occupies the grounds of a former Royal Air Force station, considered one of the most historically intact airbases in the UK. In recent years, it has evolved into a centre for motoring innovation, with over 50 specialist firms working in vehicle restoration, design, and engineering.
The first direct negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian officials since the breakdown of talks in 2022 have begun in Istanbul, as both sides revisit unresolved demands amid continued fighting on the ground
