Leicester City tragedy: East Midlands business figures react

The tragic events in Leicester on Saturday night which saw the lives of five people lost, including Foxes owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, have prompted an outpouring of emotion across the East Midlands.

All five passengers on a helicopter that took off from the King Power Stadium at around 8.30pm died when it went into a tailspin after reported engine failure and crashed into a car park outside the stadium.

Posting on LinkedIn, Jamie Stuart of Clydesdale Yorkshire Bank said: “Leicester is in shock. Vichai was no ordinary Premier League owner. He genuinely cares for the cty and its people. He has made the whole city proud of itself. Hr has quietly supported local hospitals and children’s care too. This is an awful tragedy.”

Alistair Wesson, East Midlands managing partner at Mazars, said: “A terrible tragedy , all clubs’ fans thoughts will be with the family and the Club.”

Meanwhile, Sushma Kotecha, managing partner at Stowe Family Law, added: “Such a tragedy and grave loss. By all accounts given of him, Vichai was a very kind considerate and generous man who not only helped my home town club achieve its dreams in 2016 against all odds, but also donated generously to our hospitals, children’s care and university to help the local community. A very humble and authentic soul. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Vichai’s family, friends, all those associated with the Club and all the LCFC fans.”