Leicester City Owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha's Helicopter Crashes

Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha's private helicopter crashed during take-off following the Foxes' 1-1 draw against West Ham United at the King Power Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday.

It crashed into the club car park outside the ground shortly after take-off, causing a "large fire," according to BBC News. According to Sky News, Srivaddhanaprabha was on board the helicopter along with four other passengers.

Sky Sports reports club vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha and director of football Jon Rudkin were not on board.

Jonathan Johnson from ESPN FC relayed a report from Nice-Matin that said Leicester manager Claude Puel was not on board the helicopter at the time:

Leicester City released a statement on the situation:

Many, including former Leicester and England striker Gary Lineker, have expressed hope for the safety of all those involved in the crash, as well as those tending to its aftermath:

City players, including striker Jamie Vardy and playmaker James Morrison, also offered prayers:

Thailand-based billionaire Srivaddhanaprabha purchased the club in 2010 for around £39 million. The 61-year-old also owns the King Power retail business that sponsors City's stadium.

He has overseen the Foxes' promotion from the Championship in 2014 and their Premier League title win in the dramatic 2015/16 campaign. Leicester were valued at £371 million by Forbes in June.

Srivaddhanaprabha is usually collected by his private helicopter following home games, according to the Daily Record.