Source close to Leicester City says owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha among five on board helicopter which crashed
A source close to Leicester City has said the owner and chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was on board a helicopter which crashed outside the club’s stadium on Saturday.
The source told Reuters that he was one of five people on board including his daughter, two pilots and a fifth unidentified person.
The source said “there were no confirmed details on whether anyone on board the helicopter survived.”
There has not yet been an official statement on who was on board the helicopter or if anyone on the ground was affected.
Flowers, football scarves and jerseys have been laid outside the King Power Stadium
The helicopter owned by Srivaddhanaprabha crashed outside the club's football stadium, following their Premier League game against West Ham.
It happened in the King Power Stadium car park just after 8.30pm on Saturday.
Police cars and emergency services rushed towards the area where flames were clearly visible before the area was evacuated.
Leicestershire Police said it is dealing with an incident at the stadium "after an aircraft came down in a car park behind the ground."
A spokesperson for Leicester City Football Club 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."
First moments after the helicopter crash
Srivaddhanaprabha owns the King Power company, bought Leicester City in 2010 and became chairman the following February.
After the club overcame the odds and won the Premier League in 2016, the Thai owner became adored by fans.
He normally leaves the stadium by his helicopter, which lands in the centre circle on the pitch, after every Leicester home game.
One witness, who wished not to be named, but has had a season ticket for over 40 years, said: "I saw [Leicester City goalkeeper] Kasper Schmeichel run out first and then loads of security guards and stewards.
"I was stood outside the ground but it crashed on the other side."
How has the football world reacted?
Jamie Vardy, Harry Maguire and James Maddison are among a number of Leicester City players who have tweeted since the crash.
A host of Premier League football clubs and players have also tweeted wishes of hope.
Former Leicester striker and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker passed on his thoughts.
Jonathan Ashworth, Labour MP for Leicester South, tweeted his support for the emergency services that responded to the incident.