Leicester players react to owner’s helicopter crash outside King Power Stadium
LEICESTER CITY players have reacted after the owner's helicopter crashed outside the King Power Stadium this evening.
Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha's personal chopper was seen taking off from the pitch after the 1-1 draw with West Ham.
He always flies directly in for games, usually with a number of family members.
But there were horror scenes this evening as the helicopter reportedly lost control seconds after taking off.
Eye witnesses claim it then crashed into the staff car park, with pictures showing raging flames engulfing the wreckage.
It's not known if the Leicester owner was on board, or how many people were in the helicopter when it took off.
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Leicester City have since released a brief statement confirming there has been an incident outside the stadium.
It read: “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.”
But the shocking incident prompted immediate reactions from Foxes stars Vardy and Chilwell, with the latter adding that he was "speechless"; at the news.
Meanwhile, Leicester Tigers rugby club issued a message to their close city neighbours.
It read: “The thoughts of all of us at Tigers are with our friends and neighbours at @LCFC following the incident after tonight’s match at King Power Stadium.”
Harry Maguire, James Maddison and Wilfred Ndidi, who scored the equaliser against West Ham, also quickly took to social media to post prayer emojis.
Leicestershire Police confirmed they were dealing with a serious incident, tweeting: “We are dealing with an incident in the vicinity of the King Power Stadium.
“Emergency services are aware and dealing.”
Former Leicester City star Gary Lineker wrote: “Hearing that the Leicester City owners’ helicopter has crashed in the club’s car park.”
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Premier League clubs started to react as the news filtered in, with Manchester City tweeting: “The thoughts of everyone at Manchester City are with all those at @LFC following the incident after tonight’s match at the King Power Stadium.”
Pundits also reacted, with Robbie Savage writing: “What an absolutely terribly terrible day.
“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone at my old club Leicester City.”
Saturday’s opponents West Ham expressed their sorrow, tweeting: “The thoughts of all at West Ham United are with everybody at Leicester City at this time.”
Hammers star Declan Rice added: “Horrendous scenes at the King Power tonight, my prayers and thoughts go out to everyone involved at Leicester.”
Man City’s Benjamin Mendy added: “Thoughts & prayers for everyone concerned in Leicester helicopter crash… very sad and frightening…”
Hammers star Pablo Zabaleta wrote: “My thoughts and prayers are with all those involved in the helicopter accident at Leicester City.”
Hammers chief and SunSport columnist Karren Brady added: “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.”
Premier League rivals Fulham tweeted: “The thoughts of everyone at Fulham Football Club are with those affected following the terrible incident at Leicester City this evening.”
Reading and Republic of Ireland star David Meyler tweeted: “Hope everything is okay with the owners of Leicester.”
There was support from abroad, with Roma tweeting: “We join the rest of the football community in sending our thoughts and prayers to all those affected following the terrible tragedy at Leicester City tonight.”
Cardiff City tweeted: “The thoughts and prayers of Cardiff City Football Club are with our friends at Leicester City and all those affected by this evening’s crash.”
Bournemouth goalie Asmir Begovi wrote: “Thoughts and prayers with everyone in Leicester!”
Manchester United tweeted: “The thoughts of everyone at Manchester United are with @LCFC and those affected by tonight’s incident at King Power Stadium.”
The Premier League’s official account wrote: “Thoughts from all at the Premier League are with everyone affected by tonight’s incident at @LCFC.”