Cause of death for RAF Bicester fire victims revealed

Martyn Sadler,David Chester,and Jennie Logan died in the fire (Picture: UKNIP/PA)

The three people who died in a blaze at a former RAF base in Oxfordshire died from injuries ’caused by the collapse of part of a structure’,police said.

Firefighters Martyn Sadler,38,and Jennie Logan,30,died alongside a member of the public,57,following the incident at Bicester Motion on May 15.

Thames Valley Police said post-mortem examinations have now been carried out,with preliminary findings showing that all three died from multiple traumatic injuries.

Police are investigating the cause of the blaze and treating the deaths as unexplained.

Two other firefighters who suffered serious injuries remain in the hospital in a stable condition.

Assistant chief constable Dennis Murray said: ‘Our thoughts remain first and foremost with the families,friends and colleagues of Jennie Logan,Martyn Sadler and Dave Chester,as well as the injured firefighters and their loved ones,following this tragic incident.

Martyn Sadler’s family said he was ‘born’ to be a firefighter (Picture: PA)

Jennie Logan was a ‘force to be reckoned with’ (Picture: PA)

Dave Chester was known for helping others without hesitation (Picture: PA)

‘Our initial investigations suggest that all three sustained injuries in line with those typically caused by the collapse of part of a structure.

‘This remains an unexplained death investigation and is being led by our Major Crime Unit,who continue to work with fire investigators and the Health and Safety Executive to ascertain the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the sad deaths of Jennie,Martyn and Dave.

‘We again extend our deepest sympathies to everyone who has been affected by this incident.’

Multiple explosions were heard at the former RAF base in Bicester,where witnesses saw thick black smoke pouring from the airfield earlier this month.

Flowers have been placed near the site of the fire (Picture: SWNS)

The cause of the fire is being investigated (Picture: SWNS)

In a statement previously released by the force,Jennie’s mother,father and sister Emilie paid tribute to her ‘bravery and fearlessness’ as they described her as a ‘force to be reckoned with’.

‘When Jennie’s pager went off,there was no stopping her,’ they added.

David,from Bicester,died after helping fire crews ‘without hesitation’,his family said.

‘Dave was always known as the man you went to when you needed any sort of help. This is exactly what happened on Thursday evening,he saw firefighters needing assistance and helped without hesitation.’

Martyn’s family said he was ‘born to be a firefighter: ‘Coming from a strong fire service family it was always in his blood,but it was significantly more than that with him,it was his life.’