By Daily Sports on October 28, 2018

A helicopter belonging to the owner of Leicester City Football Club burst into flames after crashing in a parking lot next to the club's King Power Stadium in Leicester, England, about an hour after the match Saturday night.

The Premier League club has not confirmed whether its owner, Thai billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was on board at the time of the crash, though he is known to regularly travel to and from the stadium by helicopter.

Leicester City released a short statement confirming that a "major incident" had occurred near the stadium, and that it was assisting police.

"We are assisting Leicestershire Police and the emergency services in dealing with a major incident at King Power Stadium," the published statement said.

"The Club will issue a more detailed statement once further information has been established."

Leicestershire Police said they are investigating the incident, as images and video spread online of flames leaping from the crash site.

"Emergency services are currently at the King Power Stadium where an aircraft came down in a car park behind the ground," Leicestershire police tweeted. "Enquiries to establish the exact circumstances of the collision are ongoing."

British media reported that witnesses saw the helicopter struggling in the air before it fell.

"I hope they're OK," one witness told Sky News. "Doesn't seem like they have had much of a chance. Just burst into flames."

Srivaddhanaprabha bought the club for $57 million in 2010 and it was promoted to the Premier League in 2014. In 2016, the club achieved the once-unthinkable feat of winning the premiership.

It went into the 2015-2016 season with odds of 5000-1 to win but stunned fans, and bookmakers, by taking the title.

The club's extraordinary run of success has played out under Srivaddhanaprabha's ownership. The businessman has won over fans by handing out free beer, water and cupcakes in the stands.

His helicopter was a familiar sight at the Leicester stadium, landing in the middle of the ground to ferry its owner to and from home games.

The Thai is #388 on the Forbes' billionaire list, with a net worth of $4.9 billion. He made his fortune through the creation of the King Power chain of duty-free stores, Thailand's largest. Srivaddhanaprabha's company sponsors the team's stadium.

The crash occurred about one hour after Leicester City drew 1-1 against West Ham United on Saturday night.

Several Leicester players tweeted their condolences. Striker Jamie Vardy and defender Harry Maguire tweeted the "praying hands" emoji.

Soon after the match ended, West Ham tweeted: "The thoughts of all at West Ham United are with everybody at Leicester City at this time."

Some of its players also extended their sympathies. Defender Pablo Zabaleta said: "My thoughts and prayers are with all those involved in the helicopter accident at Leicester City."

"Horrendous scenes at the king power tonight, my prayers & thoughts go out to everyone involved at Leicester," said his teammate, Declan Rice.

Premier League club Arsenal tweeted: "We're saddened by tonight's incident and we're all thinking of you at this difficult time." (CNN)

•Photo shows the helicopter

Source Daily Sports

Posted October 28, 2018

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