Thames Valley Police have named the two firefighters, and member of the public, who sadly died in a large fire at a premises in Oxfordshire.
Thames Valley Police is now in a position to confirm the identities of those who have died at a fire in Bicester.
Last night (15/5) a major incident was declared following a fire at the Bicester Heritage at Bicester Motion site on Buckingham Road.
Two firefighters from the fire service tragically died in the line of duty while attending this incident. A third person, who is a member of the public, also sadly died in the incident, while two other firefighters have been injured and are being treated in hospital.
Police are now in a position to confirm the formal identification of those who have died.
The firefighters who died are Jennie Logan, aged 30, of Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service and Martyn Sadler, aged 38 of both Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue and The London Fire Brigade.
The member of public who died is David Chester, aged 57 from Bicester.
The families are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.
Police have commenced an unexplained death investigation, led by the Major Crime Team.
This is currently not a criminal investigation, but Police will follow the evidence as enquiries continue.
Police will continue to have officers at the scene for a number of days to ensure the public remain safe.
The fire and rescue service is still at the scene, dampening down the fire. Once the scene is safe, investigators will be able to carry out enquiries at the location.
Assistant Chief Constable at Thames Valley Police, Tim Metcalfe, said: “This is an absolute tragedy and my thoughts and the thoughts of everyone at Thames Valley Police are with the families, friends and colleagues of Jennie Logan of the Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, Martyn Sadler of the London Fire Brigade, and member of the public, David Chester, who have died in this incident.”
Hereford Fire Station has shared a message in tribute of two firefighters that sadly died in an incident in Oxfordshire.
“Station 46 Hereford sends our heartfelt condolences to everyone affected by the incident in Bicester.
“Our thoughts are with the crews, families and everyone at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service following the tragic loss of two firefighters and a member of the public.”
Update shared by Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service on Friday evening:
We are deeply saddened to confirm the names of the two colleagues who lost their lives dealing with a major incident in Bicester on the evening of Thursday, 15 May.
A member of the public also sadly died in the incident.
Two further firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently in hospital.
The firefighters who died are Jennie Logan of Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service and Martyn Sadler of Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue who also worked as a firefighter for London Fire Brigade.
Following today’s tragic events, we recognise that people may wish to pay their respects.
We would be grateful if anyone wishes to lay flowers that these are laid in Garth Park, Bicester rather than at fire stations or at Bicester Motion to avoid obstruction to the highways. The park is open 7.30am – 9pm.
From Monday, people can also sign a book of condolence at Garth House in the park (Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Friday 9am to 4pm).
Read more on our news pages: https://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/bicester-motion-incident/
Earlier Release:
Firefighters and Oxfordshire County Council colleagues are today mourning the loss of two firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty while dealing with a major incident in Bicester on the evening of Thursday, 15 May.
A member of the public also sadly died in the incident.
Two further firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently in hospital.
Ten fire crews attended the incident at Bicester Motion having been called to the scene at 18:39. Four crews remain at the scene with the fire now under control.
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.”
The fire is still ongoing but is under control. Other support appliances remain on scene including a hydraulic platform, a water carrier, a command unit and a high volume pumping unit
Advice for local residents to remain indoors and shut all windows has been lifted. Roads that were previously closed are now being opened but traffic is heavy.
Statement from South Central Ambulance Service:
“We were called at 18.57 on Thursday 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.”
