Leicester City owner had ‘minimal’ opportunity to escape helicopter crash along with the four others who died

LEICESTER City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha had "minimal opportunity" to escape from his helicopter when it crashed just yards from the club's stadium, an inquest has heard.

The Thai billionaire and four other people, who died when the aircraft spun out of control and burst into flames on October 27, had to be “scientifically identified”, an inquest heard today.

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Detective Chief Superintendent David Sandall, of Leicestershire Police, today told the opening of the inquest: "Mobile phone footage showed the helicopter spinning out of control before descending to the crash site.

"There was minimal opportunity for anyone to get in or out of the helicopter at that time."

He said CCTV showed the victims standing near the players' tunnel near the pitch before getting on the doomed helicopter.

Mr Srivaddhanaprabha, 60, club employees Nusara Suknamai, 33, Kaveporn Punpare, 33, the pilot Eric Swaffer, 53, and co-pilot Izabela Lechowicz, 46, were all killed after the crash outside the King Power Stadium.

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Mr Sandall added: "Evidence from independent witnesses is that the people in the helicopter at the time were Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, Nusara Suknamai, Kaveporn Punpare, Eric Swaffer and Izabela Lechowicz.

"CCTV shows the five victims in the tunnel at Leicester City football ground."

The inquest was today opened and postponed, pending further investigation.

Mr Sandall added: "The investigation is ongoing into the cause of the crash."

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Adjourning the inquest, Leicester Coroner Catherine Mason said: "You have detailed to me that the final cause of death is pending subject to tests.

"Therefore I am not in a position to continue with the inquest at this time.";

No family or representatives from Leicester City FC were present at the hearing.

Thousands of tributes have been left outside the stadium after the news of the Leicester owner's death.

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Following Leicester's 1-0 away win over Cardiff last Saturday on November 3, the team flew to Thailand to pay their respects at Mr Srivaddhanaprabha's funeral.

The day after the tragedy, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) found the helicopter's black box digital flight recorder.

The AAIB has also removed the wreckage to their headquarters in Farnborough, Hants., for a detailed examination.