Two firefighters and a member of the public have died following a huge fire at Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire.
A further two firefighters are in hospital with serious injuries, and a source has told us they believe they may have “life changing injuries.”
Bicester Motion is a motoring and aviation centre which is located on a former RAF airbase which has more than 50 specialist businesses that deal with classic car restoration.
Ten Oxfordshire fire crews were called out and local residents were told to stay inside as there was reports of “multiple explosions” and thick plumes of smoke which could be seen for many miles.
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.”
Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service said, “Ten fire and rescue crews are currently attending an ongoing serious incident at Bicester Motion from 18:39 this evening.”
A South Central Ambulance spokesman added, “We were called at 18.57 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.”
Local councillor Sam Holland said: “I saw it (the fire) from a distance.
“There’s lots of emergency vehicles.
“Bicester Motion were meeting there earlier.”
Kieran McGurk, a product director who lives opposite Bicester Motion said he heard “multiple bangs” and saw a plume of smoke.
He told PA, “As we walked home and got closer to the smoke it seemed to get blacker and we heard the sirens.
“Multiple fire engines and police cars went past us and as we got to the corner at the bottom of the road ash started to fall and you could see the sheer scale of what was happening.
“Loud bangs have been constantly going off and multiple helicopters are still circling the site.”
