Prem stadium ‘copter fireball
Fans’ horror at copter inferno
THE owner of Leicester City was feared dead last night after his helicopter crashed and exploded in flames seconds after take-off.
Club chief Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was believed to have been on board the craft which lifted off from the pitch and then spiralled out of control.
One horrified fan who had been at the home match with West Ham said as a huge fireball engulfed the chopper: “No one’s getting out of that alive.”
Witnesses told of horrific scenes in the car park of King Power Stadium as police cars, ambulances and security frantically rushed around.
One onlooker told Sky Sports News the helicopter took off from the pitch and crashed only 200 yards away.
It was understood last night that there were thought to be up to five people aboard.
The sight of Srivaddhanaprabha getting picked up by his helicopter on the pitch after every Leicester home game is a familiar one to home supporters.
The team had drawn 1-1 against the Hammers before the tragedy, which came after the helicopter appeared to have a tail fin problem.
TV presenter Jake Humphrey looked visibly upset after breaking the news. Jake – who earlier yesterday had revealed that Glenn Hoddle had been rushed to hospital – called it “the hardest of days”. Fans and players were in shock and tears, with flames visible from the stadium concourse. Witnesses said the Agusta Westland helicopter had stalled and spluttered almost immediately on take off before crashing to the ground. The area around the blaze had been closed off, while the stadium was evacuated. West Ham’s team bus had already left, though some Leicester players were still inside the stadium. Leicester City and England legend Peter Shilton and his wife Stephanie, who were at the game as spectators, were both left in shock.
Stephanie, 50, held back tears as she said: “It happened straight in front of us as we were leaving the ground. It’s horrendous.”
Srivaddhanaprabha, a Thai billionaire businessman, is the founder, owner and chairman of King Power Duty Free.
In 2011, he was named chairman of Leicester City while continuing as owner.
His son, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, is vice-chairman.