In a shocking development, the owners of Leicester City FC, the Srivaddhanaprabha family, have announced their intention to file a lawsuit against Italian aerospace manufacturer Leonardo. The lawsuit, which seeks a staggering £2.15 billion in damages, stems from the tragic helicopter crash that occurred on October 27, 2018, outside Leicester City’s King Power Stadium. The crash led to the deaths of five individuals, including the club’s owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, and four others onboard the helicopter.
The legal action is based on claims that Leonardo, the manufacturer of the helicopter, was responsible for the crash due to alleged faults in the aircraft’s design, maintenance, and safety protocols. According to the family’s lawyers, the helicopter’s failure was due to a malfunctioning component, which could have been prevented with better safety measures.
The crash, which stunned the world of football, resulted in a profound loss for Leicester City and the local community. Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who was beloved by the club’s supporters, was instrumental in the team’s historic Premier League title win in 2016. His death, along with the loss of the other victims, left a deep emotional scar on the football world.
The Srivaddhanaprabha family, who have controlled the club through their King Power Group, are seeking compensation not only for the loss of life but also for the significant impact the crash had on the club’s operations, reputation, and financial standing.
In response, Leonardo has yet to publicly comment on the lawsuit. However, sources close to the company suggest that the matter could take years to resolve, given the complex legal and technical issues involved. The case is expected to raise significant questions about aviation safety and the responsibility of aircraft manufacturers in ensuring the safety of passengers.
The legal proceedings are set to bring intense scrutiny to the practices of the aerospace industry, particularly in relation to the safety standards of civilian helicopters used for high-profile events and transportation. As the case progresses, it is likely to have wide-reaching implications not only for Leicester City but also for aviation manufacturers worldwide.
The Srivaddhanaprabha family has expressed a desire for justice, with the lawsuit highlighting their ongoing commitment to ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again. The outcome of this case will be watched closely by both the football and aviation industries alike.
