Leicester City owner’s helicopter engulfed in flames after crashing in car park of King Power Stadium following clash with West Ham
A helicopter owned by Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha has burst into flames after it crashed outside the King Power stadium this evening.
Fans and players broke down in tears as flames were visible from the stadium concourse.
It is unclear how many people were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash.
Eyewitnesses described seeing how the helicopter stalled and spluttered almost immediatedly after take off before crashing into the ground at a nearby car park.
Mr Srivaddhanaprabha’s helicopter and his entourage leaving the King Power by helicopter has become a familar sight as he frequently takes off from the centre circle of Leicester’s ground.
Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha is believed to be the only family member who attended the 1-1 draw on Saturday night.
Tim Acott, Leicester season ticket holder of 40 years, said: ‘It just came out of the stadium already spinning then down to the ground.
‘Just in a spiral. It hit the ground with a big bang then burst into flames. It’s over on the other side of the car park, I don’t think there were people there. I’m shaking like anything.’
The area around the ground has been closed off, while the stadium has been evacuated. West Ham’s team bus had already left, though some Leicester players were still inside the stadium.
Leicester City defender Harry Maguire tweeted a video of the aftermath of the crash with praying hands emojis.
More to follow…
The helicopter belonging to Leicester owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha has crashed outside the King Power Stadium