Helicopter crash inquest to start next month

(L-R): Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, Kaveporn Punpare, Nusara Suknamai, Izabela Roza Lechowicz and Eric Swaffer were killed in the crash

An inquest into five people killed in a helicopter crash outside Leicester City's King Power Stadium will begin next month - more than six years on from the tragedy.

Eyewitnesses, emergency service staff and corporate witnesses will all be called to give evidence when the hearing begins on 13 January.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who was the chairman of Leicester City Football Club, fellow passengers Nusara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare, pilot Eric Swaffer and his partner, Izabela Roza Lechowicz - who was also a professional pilot - were killed in the 2018 crash.

A pre-inquest review hearing was held on Friday at Leicester City Hall to discuss preliminary matters on proceedings.

An investigation found the crash happened after the pilot's pedals became disconnected from the tail rotor.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) also found the Leonardo AW169 helicopter reached an altitude of approximately 430ft (131m) before plummeting to the ground near the stadium after a match.

The aircraft was rapidly engulfed in a post-impact fire.

Tributes were left outside the stadium in the immediate aftermath of the crash

The inquest, to be held in front of a jury, is expected to last between two and three weeks.

Leading counsel to the inquest, Jonathan Hough KC, told the review hearing that tributes telling the jury about each victim's background and personality will be heard on the opening day of proceedings.

He said the inquest would examine the mechanical cause of the crash, with the first witness being a principal inspector from the AAIB.

It was also confirmed the jury will hear evidence about a tail rotor bearing fitted to the helicopter.

Adjourning the pre-inquest review, Leicester Coroner Prof Catherine Mason said she would deliver rulings on preliminary matters relating to the inquests before Wednesday next week.