The Chief Fire Officer of the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has delivered an emotional update after it was confirmed confirmed that three people died, including two firefighters, in a fire that erupted at the site of a former RAF base last night near Bicester Village.
Two additional firefighters suffered serious injuries and are currently receiving hospital treatment.
The tragedy occurred at Bicester Motion, a historic motoring and aviation hub, where emergency services were called shortly before 6:39pm yesterday evening.
In a press conference, Rob MacDougal choked back tears as he said: "It is with a heavy heart that today we report the loss of two of our firefighters.
Rob MacDougal confirmed that two firefighters died in the blaze
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"A member of the public also sadly died in the incident. Two further firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently in hospital.
The families have been informed and are being supported. Our thoughts remain with them at this most difficult time and we ask for their privacy to be respected.
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"We cannot release any details at present, but we will provide further information as soon as we can. We were called to the scene at 6:39pm yesterday and at the height of the incident we had 10 fire engines tackling the fire.
"We remain on site with a reduced presence and the fire is under control. Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues affected during this time.
"I'm immensely proud and grateful for the exemplary multi agency response and the unwavering bravery demonstrated by all the emergency services personnel."
The London Fire Commissioner, Andy Roe said: "Following the terrible news from Oxfordshire that two firefighters have died in the line of duty, alongside a member of the public, it is with great sadness that I can confirm that one those who lost their lives is a London Leading Firefighter/Sub Officer who was retained on duty with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue.
"We are devastated by the loss of our colleague and our thoughts remain with the families and friends of all those impacted by this incident.
"We are working closely with our counterpart in Oxfordshire to provide support to the family and our crew impacted by this tragic loss.
"Our sincere condolences go out to Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service who also sadly lost a Firefighter in this incident, with a further two colleagues in hospital."
The fire service deployed ten crews to tackle the blaze at the site, which houses over 50 specialist businesses focused on classic car restoration and engineering.
The fire broke out a former RAF base in OxfordshireXLocal residents had been advised to stay indoors while firefighters battled the flames that tore through the complex.
A South Central Ambulance Service spokesperson had earlier stated: "We were called at 6.57pm this evening to reports of a serious incident at Bicester Motion. We sent a robust command structure to support staff and are currently on scene as the incident is ongoing."
The cause of the fire has not yet been disclosed by authorities. In an initial statement yesterday, Bicester Motion said: "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 and a further statement will be made as appropriate."
The fire service has indicated that a full investigation into the cause of the fire will take place.
