THE HELICOPTER belonging to Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha crashed near the team’s ground following last night’s game with West Ham.
Mr Srivaddhanaprabha travels to and from the club’s home games using the helicopter.
BBC News reports that the father-of-four from Thailand was on board the helicopter at the time.
Club legend Gary Lineker has described the incident as ‘a terrible tragedy’.
Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was reportedly on the helicopter (Image: Getty)The helicopter reportedly took off as usual from Leicester’s King Power Stadium at around 8.30pm following the 1-1 draw with the Hammers, before coming down in a car park close to the ground.
A club spokesman said: “We are assisting Leicestershire Police and the emergency services in dealing with a major incident at King Power Stadium.
“The Club will issue a more detailed statement once further information has been established.”
The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has confirmed it is sending a team of inspectors to investigate the accident.
Police outside the King Power Stadium (Image: Getty)In a statement, Leicestershire Police said: “The aircraft came down in a car park near the stadium shortly after 8.30pm yesterday evening (Saturday, October 27) with Leicestershire Police, East Midlands Ambulance Service and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service all responding to the incident.
“A cordon is currently in place at the scene to enable the AAIB to examine the area and complete their initial enquiries.
“Leicestershire Police will be supporting the AAIB in its investigation, liaising closely with Leicester City Football Club as enquiries continue.”
Members of the footballing world, including current and former Leicester players, have expressed their shock at the incident.
That was the most difficult @BBCMOTD I’ve ever hosted. Thoughts are with everyone at Leicester City. A terrible tragedy. Heartbreaking.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 27, 2018
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Jamie Vardy (@vardy7) October 27, 2018
Witnessed the crash @LCFC last night with my wife. Absolutely devastated and in shock our thoughts and prays are with everybody involved and Leicester City 🙏
— Peter Shilton (@Peter_Shilton) October 28, 2018
A sad day for football. My thoughts go to the victims in #leicester 🙏🏻💙 #LeicesterCityFC
— Paulo Dybala (@PauDybala_JR) October 28, 2018
Mr Srivaddhanaprabha, 60, bought Leicester City in 2010 for £39million.
Under the billionaire’s ownership, the club went from the second tier of English football to Premier League champions, their first ever title.
