On a solemn note, the inquest into the tragic Leicester City helicopter crash that occurred in 2018 has unveiled emotional testimonies from the police officers who were among the first on the scene. The harrowing account opened with Sgt. Michael Hooper and PC Stephen Quartermain, who were driving nearby when the helicopter crashed into the King Power Stadium, home of Leicester City Football Club. They described hearing the pilot, Eric Swaffer, pleading for help as they rushed to assist victims in a situation fraught with urgency and danger.
The unfortunate incident led to the deaths of five individuals, including Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the club’s chairman, along with Kaveporn Punpare, Nusara Suknamai, Eric Swaffer, and his partner Izabela Roza Lechowicz. The inquest commenced with a jury responsible for determining not only the identities of the deceased but also the details surrounding their demise, including the timing and cause of the crash.
Sgt. Hooper recounted that he distinctly heard Swaffer shouting, “Get me out of here, help me,” from within the wreckage. The desolation at the scene was visceral, compounded by the radiant heat emanating from the burning helicopter. He attempted to shatter the helicopter’s windscreen using his baton before rushing back to his police vehicle for a fire extinguisher to provide the pilot with a semblance of hope and respite as the flames enveloped the aircraft.
The disturbing reality set in for PC Quartermain as he observed the inferno spreading towards the cockpit. He grew emotional recalling the cruelty of fate and the harrowing moment when Swaffer initially appeared unconscious, only to revive and start the urgent pleas for assistance seconds later. The police officers felt an overwhelming pressure to save lives in a situation where the odds were heavily stacked against them.
Witnesses to the crash, including former grounds manager John Ledwidge, corroborated the officers’ accounts, emphasizing the abnormal descent of the helicopter, which spun out of control just after taking off post a home match against West Ham United. Witness testimonies revealed that the helicopter made an unexpected rapid descent, prompting immediate action to ensure the safety of those nearby. Ledwidge even instructed his staff to take cover, fearing for their safety.
As the narrative unfolded in the inquest, more witnesses surfaced, including Darren Pyke, a BT Sport sound engineer present during the match incident, who recounted witnessing the helicopter’s tragic plunge. Pyke expressed regret for not being able to discern any signs of life once law enforcement arrived.
The testimony from Chris Parsons, a fire station manager, detailed the procedural response to such emergencies, explaining how the fire service tackled the aviation fuel threat from the crash site. The actions of the police and first responders were highlighted in a heartfelt manner during the proceedings, with a solicitor representing the family of Vichai expressing gratitude for the officers’ commendable efforts amidst chaos. Bodycam footage was presented to the jury, showcasing the split-second decisions made by the officers at the scene.
Amidst the official accounts, the human element of grief and loss emerged prominently. There was a poignant recognition of the late Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, as witnesses and responders alike recollected his indelible impact on the club and community, noting how he had instilled a sense of family among those who worked for Leicester City. This sentiment resonated deep within the ongoing inquest, as the legacy of Vichai and the lives lost that fateful evening were commemorated.
The inquest is expected to extend over two to three weeks, and early reports from investigative bodies have preliminary findings suggesting a series of mechanical failures led to the crash, stating the pilot had minimal ability to prevent the tragic outcome. In this convoluted narrative of heroism and humanity, the legacies of those on board, particularly Vichai, endure in the hearts of many, a narrative steeped in respect and remembrance.
