Church services have been held in Oxfordshire to honour the lives of two firefighters and a local businessman who died in a large-scale fire at Bicester Motion, a site known for its cluster of classic car engineering businesses.
Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, lost their lives while responding to the incident on Thursday evening. Also among the deceased was David Chester, 57, a father of two and owner of a business operating within the complex, who resided in nearby Bicester.
Memorial prayers were offered on Sunday at St Mary’s Church in Launton and St Laurence’s Church in Caversfield, with a book of condolence made available at St Edburg’s Church. Local residents and community members have paid tribute by laying flowers and messages at Garth Park, located close to the fire site.
Thames Valley Police confirmed on Saturday that two other firefighters who sustained serious injuries in the blaze are “conscious and remain in a stable condition” in hospital.
In a show of solidarity, firefighters formed a guard of honour as two fire engines returned to Bicester Fire Station on Saturday. Meanwhile, fundraising efforts have been launched in support of the Firefighters Charity. One page, organised by the local rugby club, described Mr Sadler as “a true clubman and rugby man” and Ms Logan as “a kind, gentle and thoughtful force to be reckoned with.” Another fundraiser, set up by local resident Daniel Chartrand, has surpassed £1,000 towards its £4,500 goal.
The Bicester Motion site, which housed more than 50 specialist businesses involved in classic car restoration and engineering, was originally part of RAF Bomber Command during World War Two and was decommissioned in 2004.
Bicester Town Council has lowered flags at Garth House to half-mast in tribute to those who died. Fire investigators, in collaboration with Thames Valley Police, are currently working to determine the cause of the incident.
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