LONDON, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Two firefighters and a civilian were killed in a major fire at a former Royal Air Force base in Oxfordshire, officials from Oxfordshire County Council said on Friday.
The fire broke out Thursday evening at Bicester Motion, prompting the dispatch of 10 fire and rescue crews to battle the blaze. According to the council, the fire was brought under control, though support units remained on site to monitor the situation.
Two additional firefighters sustained serious injuries and remain hospitalized.
Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall expressed deep sorrow in an official statement: "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." ■
