The inquiry into the tragic deaths of two firefighters and a civilian, who lost their lives in a fire at a business park, has commenced.

The victims included firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, as well as 57-year-old Dave Chester, a father of two, who perished in the fire that swept through the Bicester Motion facility on May 15.

On Tuesday, Oxfordshire coroner Darren Salter initiated the inquest in Oxford, which has been adjourned until November 25.

Mr. Salter referred to the victims, noting their deaths resulted from “multiple traumatic injuries.”

Thames Valley Police (TVP) previously indicated that all three individuals suffered injuries consistent with those typically seen in structural collapses.

Additionally, two other firefighters were severely injured in the incident and continue to receive treatment in stable condition at the hospital.

The fire began around 6:30 PM BST on May 15 and quickly spread throughout an old aircraft hangar located on Buckingham Road, prompting the declaration of a major incident.

Ten fire and rescue teams were dispatched to combat the flames, with witnesses reporting dark smoke rising into the sky.

Bicester Motion houses over 50 specialized businesses dedicated to classic car restoration and engineering at the former RAF Bicester site, which was previously part of RAF Bomber Command during World War II and became obsolete in 2004.

According to TVP, post-mortem examinations revealed that Ms. Logan, Mr. Sadler—who was affiliated with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service—and Mr. Chester suffered multiple traumatic injuries leading to their deaths.

The police force also announced that a major crime unit is investigating the unexplained deaths in conjunction with fire safety experts and the Health and Safety Executive.

Home Office statistics indicate this was only the fourth incident resulting in firefighter fatalities while attending a fire in England in the last 15 years.

Moreover, this incident marks the first occurrence of two firefighters dying in a single fire since Jim Shears and Alan Bannon lost their lives in a Southampton fire at Shirley Towers in April 2010.

In response to the tragedy, Bicester Town Council has opened books of condolence, and community church services and moments of silence have taken place.

Gold plaques honoring the victims have been placed at Bicester Motion, each inscribed with: “Love from the Bicester Community.”

Following the fire, Mr. Sadler’s family, who remembered him as a dedicated firefighter with previous service at the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and London Fire Brigade, expressed their pride in his legacy, calling him “the true definition of a hero.”

They shared, “Our world has fallen apart, and our hearts are completely broken, but we are immensely proud of him and his unwavering bravery.”

Ms. Logan’s family reflected on her “bravery and fearlessness” that distinguished her until the very end, stating, “She will always be our hero and we are so immensely proud of her. Forever in our hearts.”

Mr. Chester’s family characterized him as “born and raised in Bicester,” known for his “quirky sense of humor.” They affirmed, “He was not a victim but a hero; he died as he lived—helping others and prioritizing their needs over his own.”

Nicholas Mawer, representing Bicester North on Cherwell District Council, remarked that those lost in the fire embodied “the best of Bicester,” adding, “Thankfully, such incidents are quite rare, but they’ve profoundly impacted the community.”

Both Ms. Logan and Mr. Sadler were affiliated with Bicester Rugby Union Football Club (BRUFC), where Ms. Logan played for the Bicester Vixens women’s team. BRUFC’s chairman, Paul Jaggers, noted, “We are a close-knit club. Losing two members in any circumstance is incredibly challenging and has left a deep impact.”

In the aftermath of the tragedy, a fundraising initiative launched by the club has successfully garnered over £23,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity.