A devastating fire at a former British airbase in Bicester, southern England, has claimed the lives of three people — two firefighters and one civilian, according to officials.
In a statement released Friday, Oxfordshire County Council confirmed the deaths, noting that two additional firefighters are being treated in hospital for serious injuries sustained during the incident on Thursday evening.
“This is a tragic day,” the council said. “Our firefighters and colleagues are mourning the loss of two brave individuals who died in the line of duty.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reacted on social media platform X, calling the incident “devastating” and extending sympathies to the victims’ families. “The bravery of our firefighters is astounding,” he said. “Hoping those in hospital make a full and swift recovery.”
The fire broke out at Bicester Motion, a repurposed RAF base now home to over 50 businesses specializing in classic car restoration and engineering. Ten fire crews responded to the blaze, which was brought under control by Friday, although thick smoke continued to rise from the site.
Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire’s Chief Fire Officer, said the situation was now stable.
Fatalities among UK firefighters are rare, with only four recorded since 2010, according to the Fire Brigades Union.
AFP
