Image copyright
Getty Images
Tributes to Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha have been placed in the King Power Stadium
Leicester City supporters are taking part in a walk to mark the first anniversary of a helicopter crash which claimed five lives.
The club’s chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and four others died in the crash outside the King Power Stadium on 27 October last year.
Supporters are walking from Magazine Square in the city to the ground before the Foxes play Burnley at 15:00 BST.
One fan taking part said Mr Vichai “made our dreams come true”.
Two members of Mr Vichai’s staff – Kaveporn Punpare and Nusara Suknamai – died in the crash as well as pilots and partners Eric Swaffer and Izabela Roza Lechowicz.
Fans are carrying large banner bearing Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s face
About 5,000 people, many carrying flowers and scarves, are estimated to be taking part in the march which is being led by large banner bearing Mr Vichai’s face
Tributes also were paid online, with one fan tweeting: “Thank you Vichai, thank you Boss.”
The tribute has been organised by fans with support from the Premier League club and the council.
A memorial park, named in Mr Vichai’s honour, will open at the crash site on the anniversary itself.
Hundreds of people gathered in the city centre ahead of the march
Tens of thousands of people took part in a previous walk for the victims two weeks after the crash.
It was named the 5,000-1 walk, after the odds the club overcame to secure their 2016 Premier League win.
The new walk was scheduled for the nearest home game to the anniversary.
Fan Craig Elliott who has helped to organise both walks, said: “We were truly overwhelmed when the estimate of 50,000 people was given for the first walk.
“With the first anniversary upon us we felt it had to be done again. Khun Vichai did so much, not just for the club but for the city as a whole.”
(L-R): Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, Kaveporn Punpare, Nusara Suknamai, Izabela Roza Lechowicz and Eric Swaffer
Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk.
