UPDATED: LEICESTER CITY HELICOPTER CRASH / 5 DEAD INCLUDING

UPDATED:


CONFIRMED BBC & SKY NEWS

UPDATED: LEICESTER CITY HELICOPTER CRASH / 5 DEAD INCLUDING OWNER OF LEICESTER CITY FC (Sky News)



Leicester City owner 'was on board crashed helicopter

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14:27, UK, Sunday 28 October 2018

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha's helicopter burst into flames after crashing outside the King Power Stadium0:46




The owner of Leicester City was on board his helicopter when it crashed in a ball of flames outside the football club's stadium, Sky sources say.

Witnesses told Sky Sports News the aircraft spiralled then crashed to the ground in a huge fireball in car park E - the club's staff car park which is about 200 metres from the stadium.



BBC Match Of The Day host and Leicester City legend Gary Lineker admitted it was the "most difficult BBCMOTD I've ever hosted", calling the crash a "terrible tragedy" and "heartbreaking".

BT Sport host Jake Humphrey said everyone was evacuated from the stadium in the aftermath of the incident, adding that "huge numbers" of emergency service crews were at the scene.

"Thoughts and love to all involved," he tweeted. "A day I can't wait to end."

Mirror Football columnist Robbie Savage called it an "absolutely terrible terrible day", while Gabby Logan said she could not stop thinking of the club.



Leicester City owner 'on board crashed helicopter'

BBC

Sunday 28th October 2018

Fans were visibly shocked following the crash on Saturday evening


The Leicester City owner's helicopter has crashed in a car park outside the club's ground as it left the stadium following a Premier League match.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was in the helicopter when it came down at about 20:30 BST on Saturday, a source close to the family has told the BBC.

One witness said he saw Leicester player Kasper Schmeichel run out of the stadium towards the scene of the crash.

It has not been confirmed how many other people were on the helicopter.

But a report by Reuters, which the BBC has not been able to verify, claimed four other people were on board with Mr Srivaddhanaprabha.

Leicester had drawn 1-1 against West Ham United at the King Power Stadium, with the match finishing about one hour before the helicopter took off from the pitch.

Witnesses said they saw it just clear the stadium before it spiralled out of control, with some describing seeing a fireball as it crashed.

Fans have been leaving tributes and flowers outside of the King Power stadium


The club said it was assisting police and emergency services and would issue a more detailed statement in due course.

Under Mr Srivaddhanaprabha's ownership, Leicester City won the Premier League in 2016, having started the season as 5,000/1 outsiders.


By Samantha Fisher, BBC News

There has been a steady flow of people wearing Leicester City shirts and hats this morning.

Despite the number of fans gathered here it's very quiet.

Lots of children are also here with their parents laying flowers outside the ground.

Many people have been in tears as they approach stadium and they've all been consoling each other.

Richard Mobbs, from Burton Overy in Leicestershire, said he last saw the chairman in June when they discussed a player who was about to join the club.

"I spoke to Vichai a lot," the 68-year-old said.

"It is such a shock. You just have to pay your respects."

Leicester City season ticket-holder Richard Mobbs (left) and Thai student Anupat Maturongpituck both came to the King Power Stadium to pay their respects
Mr Mobbs described Mr Srivaddhanaprabha as a "lovely, quiet, down to earth man", and paid tribute to his family.

"They are all friendly," he said.

"This season they bought me a season ticket."

Anupat Maturongpituck, a student from Thailand studying at the University of Leicester, came to the King Power Stadium on Sunday to "pay my respects", adding news of the crash has had a "great impact" in Thailand.


Freelance photographer Ryan Brown, who was covering the game, saw the helicopter clear the King Power Stadium before it crashed.

He told BBC Radio Leicester: "The engine stopped and I turned round and it made a bit of a whirring noise, like a grinding noise.

"The helicopter just went silent, I turned round and it was just spinning, out of control. And then there was a big bang and then [a] big fireball."


Leicester: It's a serious situation - commentator on helicopter crash

Sky Sports News reporter Rob Dorsett said the helicopter took off from the pitch, as it does after every game.

He said that after a few seconds it appeared to lose control and crashed into the car park just a few hundred metres away.

'I have seen staff in tears' - Reaction to Leicester helicopter crash











Cardiff City FC:
The thoughts and prayers of Cardiff City Football Club are with our friends at Leicester City FC and all those affected by this evening’s crash.



BREAKING:
Just outside the kingpower. Hope everyone is ok?!

@mrgeoffpeters: Theres a major incident by the King Power Stadium. Emergency services attending. https://twitter.com/mrgeoffpeters/statu ... 60/video/1

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The Leicester City owner's helicopter has crashed in a car park outside the club's ground shortly after taking off after a match.

It is not known if Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was in the helicopter at the time.

Leicester City had been playing West Ham United in the Premier League at their King Power stadium.

Pictures from the ground showed a large fire in the car park although it has been put out, according to reports



Sky Sports News reporter Rob Dorsett said the helicopter took off from the pitch, as it does after every game.

He said that after a few seconds it appeared to lose control and crashed into the car park just a few hundred metres away.

News › UK
Leicester helicopter crash: City football club's owner helicopter crashes outside King Power Stadium

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Sky Sports News: Eyewitness reports of mechanical failure on tail of helicopter as it lifted out of ground and then it came down.
Helicopter owned by Leicester City FC owners, but no confirmation who was

This looks awful.

Really hope this isn’t as bad as it looks.

Horrible images and wish all involved the best - much more important than football.

Hope there were no casualties but seeing some of the pictures, this doesn’t look good !

I guess this must put our game with Leicester in doubt next week .

Owner, director and pilot all died apparently. Rip. Shocking news.

BREAKING:
The owner of Leicester City, the Sporting Director and pilot have been pronounced dead, reasons being 3rd degree burns and spinal injury. As we speak, families of the deceased are being called and made aware of the loss of their loved ones. A sad day for football.

Is it suspicious ?

Just spoke to BBC and Sky news reporters and neither they nor wires know nothing of the above by Jimmy Rat at this time.
Sounds plausible but I'd like to know his source.

Wouldn't be a cause of death yet either you know. Doctor just certifies life extinct till there's a PM .
Where are you getting this from Jimmy ?

Wouldn't be a cause of death yet either you know. Doctor just certifies life extinct till there's a PM .
Where are you getting this from Jimmy ?

It's on the BBC website.

Wouldn't be a cause of death yet either you know. Doctor just certifies life extinct till there's a PM .
Where are you getting this from Jimmy ?

It's on the BBC website.

I don't think it is all they are saying 17 minutes ago is that they did not know if the owner was on board

Wouldn't be a cause of death yet either you know. Doctor just certifies life extinct till there's a PM .
Where are you getting this from Jimmy ?

It's on the BBC website.

The BBC site hasn’t confirmed who was on board.

BBC news at 12.10am questioned that the club chairman and the manager were on board. There is still nothing confirmed at this point. If the manager was on board I would guess that next weeks game will definitely be off. It’s all speculation at this point and it’s the first I’ve heard of the manager being on board. Let’s hope it’s not true.

That type of helicopter has a crew of two which suggests at least 2 dead, judging by the fireball.

Wouldn't be a cause of death yet either you know. Doctor just certifies life extinct till there's a PM .
Where are you getting this from Jimmy ?

It's on the BBC website.

The BBC site hasn’t confirmed who was on board.

Didn't imagine so, but maybe we shouldn't be going there at the moment out of respect .i appreciate your confirmation very much though.

The BBC are now reporting that the Leicester City owner was on board when the helicopter crashed. They also say that there are rumours that Claude Puel, the manager, was on board - heavy stress on the word rumours there.

No official comment on any injuries or fatalities. But it’s worth remembering the time difference between the UK and Thailand. If there are injuries or fatalities, which appears very likely on both counts, the close families would need to be informed before the general public of the UK.

When it comes to football, which has to take a back seat at this time, Leicester have a home game against Southampton in the League Cup on Tuesday - I can’t see any way that will go ahead, given the current situation. If there are fatalities from this crash, and we all hope that isn’t the case, then I will be surprised if our match goes ahead on Saturday.

I hope I’m wrong, but the images suggest anyone on board is dead. The ambulances left the scene in no rush - no flashing lights, no sirens.

As I say, I hope I’m wrong. I, and I’m sure everyone on here will agree, am hoping for good news in the coming hours.

Latest report states 2 police officers nearby tried to get people out but due to heat they couldn't! And considering it is a routine that's been established a couple of yrs and fact that nothing as been confirmed about who was on board leads to conclusion that at least the owner was on board a very sad day for the club

The BBC are now reporting that the Leicester City owner was on board when the helicopter crashed. They also say that there are rumours that Claude Puel, the manager, was on board - heavy stress on the word rumours there.

No official comment on any injuries or fatalities. But it’s worth remembering the time difference between the UK and Thailand. If there are injuries or fatalities, which appears very likely on both counts, the close families would need to be informed before the general public of the UK.

When it comes to football, which has to take a back seat at this time, Leicester have a home game against Southampton in the League Cup on Tuesday - I can’t see any way that will go ahead, given the current situation. If there are fatalities from this crash, and we all hope that isn’t the case, then I will be surprised if our match goes ahead on Saturday.

I hope I’m wrong, but the images suggest anyone on board is dead. The ambulances left the scene in no rush - no flashing lights, no sirens.

As I say, I hope I’m wrong. I, and I’m sure everyone on here will agree, am hoping for good news in the coming hours.

So so tragic and I agree that football certainly does take a back seat.
I’m certain that their Tuesday game will be postponed but I’m thinking that our game will be likely to go ahead.

The absence of any comment or presence by the manager might not be a good sign - let's hope he's okay.
Unfortunately it does seem that the owner was killed,even though they're still not confirming it. What happens to any club in those circumstances I wonder ?
I really don't know whether a club would insure the life of the owner - they'd be entitled to - but otherwise I don't think that his heirs would have any duty to carry on his support of the club. As far as cancelling fixtures goes, again I've got no idea what happens with that but I can't see that it would do anything but create further problems for the club later on.

Your reasoning about the lack of comment being time differences is sound, but of course everyone must be wondering whether it might indicate a suspicion of foul play. I can see a few possible red lights as I expect most people can, but it's probably not in good taste to explore that at the moment. I imagine though that such speculation will grow the longer any statement or announcement is delayed.

RIP . Reminds me of Matthew Harding from mid 90s who met fate in a similarly tragic way. Think he joint owned Chelsea back then with ken Bates .

Really sad news, condolences to all those associated with Leicester City football club.

Ssn saying owner his daughter 2 pilots on board what's strange is there was also a unamed person also on board so if known these four were there must know the other person is and given theres been no response from club or manager its hard not to think he was also on board hope he wasn't.... If thats case cannot see game going ahead!

Ssn saying owner his daughter 2 pilots on board what's strange is there was also a unamed person also on board so if known these four were there must know the other person is and given theres been no response from club or manager its hard not to think he was also on board hope he wasn't.... If thats case cannot see game going ahead!

According to Leicester forum the manager is ok and in France

Ssn saying owner his daughter 2 pilots on board what's strange is there was also a unamed person also on board so if known these four were there must know the other person is and given theres been no response from club or manager its hard not to think he was also on board hope he wasn't.... If thats case cannot see game going ahead!

According to Leicester forum the manager is ok and in France

That appears to be true. The following from the Mirror, that Puel said to French Press:

“It is a tragedy for the club.

“All of my thoughts are with the victims and their families and I want reassure all the people who are concerned about me.

“I am distraught, but I am well.”

Cardiff City FC:
The thoughts and prayers of Cardiff City Football Club are with our friends at Leicester City FC and all those affected by this evening’s crash.

UPDATED:


UPDATED: LEICESTER CITY HELICOPTER CRASH / 6 DEAD INCLUDING OWNER OF LEICESTER CITY FC



Leicester City owner 'on board crashed helicopter'

BBC

Sunday 28th October 2018

Fans were visibly shocked following the crash on Saturday evening


The Leicester City owner's helicopter has crashed in a car park outside the club's ground as it left the stadium following a Premier League match.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was in the helicopter when it came down at about 20:30 BST on Saturday, a source close to the family has told the BBC.

One witness said he saw Leicester player Kasper Schmeichel run out of the stadium towards the scene of the crash.

It has not been confirmed how many other people were on the helicopter.

But a report by Reuters, which the BBC has not been able to verify, claimed four other people were on board with Mr Srivaddhanaprabha.

Leicester had drawn 1-1 against West Ham United at the King Power Stadium, with the match finishing about one hour before the helicopter took off from the pitch.

Witnesses said they saw it just clear the stadium before it spiralled out of control, with some describing seeing a fireball as it crashed.

Fans have been leaving tributes and flowers outside of the King Power stadium


The club said it was assisting police and emergency services and would issue a more detailed statement in due course.

Under Mr Srivaddhanaprabha's ownership, Leicester City won the Premier League in 2016, having started the season as 5,000/1 outsiders.


By Samantha Fisher, BBC News

There has been a steady flow of people wearing Leicester City shirts and hats this morning.

Despite the number of fans gathered here it's very quiet.

Lots of children are also here with their parents laying flowers outside the ground.

Many people have been in tears as they approach stadium and they've all been consoling each other.

Richard Mobbs, from Burton Overy in Leicestershire, said he last saw the chairman in June when they discussed a player who was about to join the club.

"I spoke to Vichai a lot," the 68-year-old said.

"It is such a shock. You just have to pay your respects."

Leicester City season ticket-holder Richard Mobbs (left) and Thai student Anupat Maturongpituck both came to the King Power Stadium to pay their respects
Mr Mobbs described Mr Srivaddhanaprabha as a "lovely, quiet, down to earth man", and paid tribute to his family.

"They are all friendly," he said.

"This season they bought me a season ticket."

Anupat Maturongpituck, a student from Thailand studying at the University of Leicester, came to the King Power Stadium on Sunday to "pay my respects", adding news of the crash has had a "great impact" in Thailand.


Freelance photographer Ryan Brown, who was covering the game, saw the helicopter clear the King Power Stadium before it crashed.

He told BBC Radio Leicester: "The engine stopped and I turned round and it made a bit of a whirring noise, like a grinding noise.

"The helicopter just went silent, I turned round and it was just spinning, out of control. And then there was a big bang and then [a] big fireball."


Leicester: It's a serious situation - commentator on helicopter crash

Sky Sports News reporter Rob Dorsett said the helicopter took off from the pitch, as it does after every game.

He said that after a few seconds it appeared to lose control and crashed into the car park just a few hundred metres away.

'I have seen staff in tears' - Reaction to Leicester helicopter crash

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Leicester City helicopter crash update: Passengers are named as club directors meet at King Power Stadium - Mirror Online

Sunday Mirror

Sunday 28th October 2018

Leicester City directors have started to arrive at the King Power Stadium this morning as the club come to terms with Saturday's tragic helicopter crash.

It is understood they will hold a vigil before a briefing on the tragedy that is feared to have killed some of those who were on board the aircraft.

It has been confirmed by a source close to the club that Foxes owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was among five people who were on board a helicopter which crashed next to the club's stadium on Saturday.

Two pilots and two others, whose identities are not immediately known, were also passengers on the helicopter. An earlier suggestion, however, that one his daughters was on board is understood to be wrong.

Full details of the incident remain unclear. Police are yet to release any information about the condition of the pilot or any passengers.


Devastated football fans have been laying flowers after the aircraft belonging to Leicester owner Srivaddhanaprabha erupted into a fireball as it ‘spiralled’ out of control in the club’s car park, moments after their 1-1 draw with West Ham.

Small bouquets were left outside the ground by members of the public alongside a large image of the Hindu god Ganesh which was also propped up in amidst the flowers.

A small candle was placed in front of the flowers as more people gradually gathered to pray for anybody who may have been on the helicopt

The harrowing remains of the aftermath wreckage of the helicopter crash were pictured this morning.

The crash was reportedly caused by a problem with the tail fin on the helicopter.

It is understood the helicopter took off as normal, reaching a height of approximately 200 feet, before going into a tail-spin and crashing into the car park.

Soon after hitting the concrete, it was engulfed in a fireball.

The AgustaWestland helicopter is understood to have capacity for six passengers and two crew members.

Srivaddhanaprabha's son Aiyawatt is vice-chairman of the club. He was not thought to have been at yesterday’s game.

A Leicester City spokesman said on Saturday night: “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.”

Leicestershire police said in a statement: "We are dealing with an incident in the vicinity of the King Power Stadium. Emergency services are aware and dealing."

But concerned football fans have brought flowers to the stadium near the scene of the horrific tragedy, Sky News reported on Sunday morning.

Pete Ripley, associate director of operations, East Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “We received a call at 8.38pm on 27 October to reports of a helicopter crash in the car park of King Power Stadium in Leicester.

“We have sent a doctor in a car, two paramedics in ambulance cars, a crewed ambulance and our Hazardous Area Response Team, with the first resource arriving within two minutes of the call.

“We are currently working with our colleagues in Leicestershire Police and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service at the scene.

“We advise members of the public to stay away from the area while we deal with this incident.”


Leicester City present united front after helicopter crash and pray for man who transformed Foxes

The news has rocked football with many tweeting their sincere thoughts to those involved and affected by the awful incident.

BBC Match Of The Day host and Leicester City legend Gary Lineker admitted it was the "most difficult BBCMOTD I've ever hosted", calling the crash a "terrible tragedy" and "heartbreaking".

BT Sport host Jake Humphrey said everyone was evacuated from the stadium in the aftermath of the incident, adding that "huge numbers" of emergency service crews were at the scene.

"Thoughts and love to all involved," he tweeted. "A day I can't wait to end."

Mirror Football columnist Robbie Savage called it an "absolutely terrible terrible day", while Gabby Logan said she could not stop thinking of the club.

Several Leicester City players tweeted praying hands emojis, including Riyad Mahrez, Andy King and Jamie Vardy.

West Ham footballers also shared their shock, with Pablo Zabaleta tweeting: "My thoughts and prayers are with all those involved in the helicopter accident at Leicester City."

Baroness Brady, vice-chairman of West Ham, said: "My thoughts and prayers are with everyone at Leicester City, horrific pictures on the news, I pray everyone is ok. I can confirm everyone from WHU has safely left the stadium."

Dozens of English football clubs also tweeted their support for Leicester, while The FA said: "Our thoughts are with all at LCFC following the major incident after their game at the King Power Stadium tonight."

Many shocked Leicester fans gathered at the ground after the crash to survey the scene.

Foxes goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel joined them, shedding tears as he watched on helplessly at the terrible scene of carnage.

England legend Peter Shilton witnessed the crash.

His wife Stephanie, 50, said: "We are both in shock on our way home. It happened straight in front of us as we were leaving the ground.

"We don't know what has happened. It's horrendous. We need to know if everyone is OK. That's the biggest thing. We just hope that everyone got out OK."

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha: Leicester City owner in profile after his helicopter crashes

One eye witness said: “I saw it all. It was clearly in trouble and only just managed to get over the stadium before it started whirling around and coming down.”

Tim Acott, a 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."

A security worker at the stadium said: “The helicopter set off and just came straight back down.

“People were worried it might not have just been the owner aboard but other family members.

“It went up to the top of the stadium and started whizzing around. The tail lights just started spinning – all you could see was them going round and round.

Leicester helicopter filmed taking off from King Power Stadium moments before crash

“Then it hit the floor straight away and burst into flames. It was unexpected. None of the security staff expect to see this sort of thing.

“It was just utter carnage.

“We train for this sort of thing but it just never happens. Everyone is in utter shock. Everyone is shaken up.”

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Whilst it is almost certain he was on board reports now state daughter was not on flight but there was the 2 pilots and 2 others as Well as owner. Not sure why it's taken so long to confirm who was on board as it only increases speculation like was puel on board as was intimated yesterday?

RIP

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