The CEO of a prominent Nigerian bank, Herbert Wigwe, and his family were among six individuals killed in a tragic helicopter crash in the Mojave Desert near the California-Nevada border on Friday night.
Access Bank confirmed Wigwe’s death, along with his wife, son, and former Nigeria Stock Exchange group chairman, Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed the devastating loss, stating, “Access Bank chief executive Herbert Wigwe died in the crash.”
The chartered Airbus EC130 helicopter, operated by California-based charter company Orbic Air, crashed during its journey from Palm Springs, California, to Boulder City, Nevada.
The crash occurred near Interstate 15 in Halloran Springs, California, around 10 p.m.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member Michael Graham revealed that both pilots on the helicopter were also killed.
Witness reports indicated that the aircraft caught fire upon impact, with rain and wintry conditions reported at the time.
Graham confirmed that the NTSB is investigating the crash, and a team was on-site collecting evidence.
He mentioned that precipitation was present during the crash, with the helicopter descending rapidly before impacting the terrain.
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed deep sorrow, calling the incident “an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.”
The governor of Nigeria’s Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, described Wigwe as a financial sector colossus, leading Access Bank to international prominence.
Access Bank paid tribute to Wigwe, hailing him as a “visionary leader” with an enduring legacy of “excellence and compassion.”
The bank stated, “Herbert’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to social impact initiatives have left an indelible mark on Access Holdings and the communities we serve. His legacy will never be forgotten.”
The cause of the helicopter crash remains unclear, and investigators are actively documenting the crash scene.
A preliminary investigation report is expected in the coming weeks, while the full inquiry could take up to two years before a final report is published.
Graham urged witnesses to come forward with any available photos or videos of the incident.
Source-CNN
