The automotive world and wider community express condolences after fatal Bicester Motion incident
The automotive world and wider community has come together in grief and support following the fatal Bicester Motion fire on May 15-16, which saw two firefighters and a member of the public tragically killed in at the former RAF site in Oxfordshire.
The fire broke out at around 6.30pm in Building 79, one of the historic hangars used for vehicle storage. Among the deceased was Dave Chester, 57, of Chester & Sons, a family-run groundworks and fencing business that had worked on the site for over a decade. Two firefighters, Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, also lost their lives in the line of duty. Sadler served with both Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service and the London Fire Brigade. At the time of writing, two further firefighters remain in hospital with serious injuries, but were in a stable condition.
Witnesses described thick smoke, ash falling from the sky and loud explosions, while residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed. Ten fire crews, supported by ambulance and police services, attended the scene.
Daniel Geoghegan, CEO of Bicester Motion, released a moving statement following the incident: “For the families of those we have lost, the incredible and brave emergency services who have worked tirelessly, our team who has worked relentlessly and the wider Bicester and Oxfordshire community which has shown the most generous support and kindness.
“I wanted to first pay tribute to the three lives that have been lost. To Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, the two firefighters who so bravely tackled the scene. The epitome of selfless service.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. They have gone above and beyond under unprecedented circumstances. No words can ever make up for what has happened, but they are all very much in our hearts.
“And to Dave Chester, who ran Chesters & Sons his family business, who has had a long history with the estate – indeed from man and boy. He joined us 12 years ago when we first bought the site and, with his wife and two sons, has been a pillar of our whole business community. We considered him a member of our team, part of the fabric of our estate and a friend to us all.”
A further statement on Sunday May 18 said that the site would remain closed until further notice to support the ongoing investigation into the fire, and a subsequent statement on Tuesday May 20 revealed that Bicester Motion was continuing to work closely with Thames Valley Police to implement a phased return to work for on-site businesses.
The incident sent shockwaves through the local area and the wider car community, with organisations such as the FBHVC and HCVA offering condolences, as well as car clubs, business and individuals. Commemorative gold plaques have been created in tribute to the firefighters and Mr Chester, who was affectionately described by John Pitchforth, managing director of Heritage Skills Academy based at Bicester Motion, as “part of the magic of the Bicester bubble.”
Both Martyn and Jennie were keen rugby players, with Bicester Rugby Football Union Club raising money for The Fire Fighters Charity in the memory. As we went to press, almost £19,000 had been donated.
Before starting Prime Minister’s Questions on May 21, Keir Starmer said: “My deepest condolences, and I’m sure those of the whole house, are with the family and friends of Jenny, Martin and David, tragically killed in the fire in Bicester last week.”
Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: “Firefighters Martyn Sadler and Jennie Logan were true heroes, as was David Chester, and I hope the full prayers and thoughts of house are with their loved ones, and with the two firefighters still in hospital.”
Building 79 looks to have been completely destroyed, while what remains of the vehicles inside – including mobile cinema KJU 267E, owned by Ben Moorhouse – remains to be seen. In any case, such losses are insignificant compared to the human cost of this tragedy. “At a time like this old cars feel strangely irrelevant,” commented John Lomax of on-site restoration business Blue Diamond Services – a view widely shared by the community.
The larger and more central hangars – including the Historic storage facility (Building 108) and the events hangar (Building 113) – were not affected. The fire remained contained, and surrounding buildings were spared further damage. The exact cause of the fire outbreak has not yet been confirmed.
In light of the tragic events, Classic Collective, based close to the site, rescheduled its planned event on May 18.
Wheeler Dealer Live and Classic Car Auctions
On Friday, May 23, a statement from Classic Car Auctions by Iconic Auctioneers confirmed that its sale on Sunday, June 1 will go ahead as planned ‘with the venue’s full support’. A statement from Wheeler Dealer Live, the show set to host the sale, also confirmed its plans to go ahead.
“This year’s show will stand as a symbol of strength, passion, and togetherness – values that define our community. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support and look forward to welcoming you to a day that not only celebrates our shared love of motoring but also commemorates the lives and legacies of those we have lost,” the Wheeler Dealer Live statement read.
“The event will now also serve as a heartfelt tribute to those who lost their lives,” CCA’s statement read, “and together with the wider automotive community, we will honour their memory through a number of commemorative acts:
- A three-minute silence at 11:00 am, observed across the venue
- Charity Auction with all proceeds donated evenly to The Fire Fighters Charity, and a second charity to be chosen by the family of the late David Chester
- A designated remembrance area, offering visitors space for quiet reflection and to pay their respects
- Iconic Auctioneers will donate 50% of their catalogue sales, and two tickets to the Silverstone Festival in August
- Further tributes are being discussed internally with the Fire and Rescue Service and the families affected”
Founded in 2013, Bicester Heritage has become a hub for the UK’s classic car industry and events. As part of the wider Bicester Motion enterprise, it has grown into a centre for heritage motoring and future mobility, attracting global automotive brands and hosting major public events such as Scramble and Flywheel.
The Classics World team sends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the friends and families of those who were lost.
