In a recent press briefing held in Barstow, California, the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) disclosed additional details regarding the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Herbert Wigwe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, his wife, son, and other passengers onboard.
Reports yesterday surfaced regarding a helicopter crash near the California-Nevada border, involving Herbert Wigwe, and others speculating that they might have been enroute to attend the Super Bowl event scheduled for Sunday in Las Vegas.
NTSB board member Michael Graham, accompanied by investigator Aaron Sours, delivered the briefing on Saturday evening, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident. According to Graham, the crash resulted in the tragic loss of all two crew members and four passengers, with reports indicating a fire outbreak upon impact.
"As far as we know, from what was reported from witnesses, there was fire when the aircraft made contact with the terrain," Graham stated during the briefing.
The NTSB, recognized as an independent agency mandated by the US Congress, is tasked with investigating civil aviation accidents and significant incidents in various transportation modes across the United States. Additionally, the agency has deployed a representative from its Transportation Disaster Assistance division to provide support and assistance to the grieving family members affected by the tragedy.
According to local sources, including KTLA 5, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that a Eurocopter EC130 helicopter crashed around 10 p.m. east of the 15 Freeway and Halloran Springs Road, near Nipton. Initial reports suggest the helicopter may have departed from Palm Springs and was last spotted near Barstow, with its intended destination still undisclosed.
In its comments, Access Holdings said it received inquiries about an aeroplane crash but did not mention Wigwe’s name in the message posted on its social media handle. “We have received numerous inquiries concerning an airplane crash in the USA. Presently, we lack specific information; however, we are actively collaborating with US authorities who will furnish updates. Your understanding and support are valued, and we commit to keeping you informed promptly as we receive updates on the situation” the statement reads.
In a post via her official X handle on Saturday, Okonjo-Iweala said the news of the terrible loss of Wigwe, his wife and son is a terrible incident.
The former Minister of Finance also expressed sadness over the death of the Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), Abimbola Ogunbanjo, who was also in the helicopter.
Okonjo-Iweala consoled the deceased’s family and the Access Bank Group employees and management over the sad incident.
She wrote, “Terribly saddened by the news of the terrible loss of Herbert Wigwe, Group CEO Access Bank, his wife and son as well as Bimbo Ogunbanjo in a helicopter crash.
“My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Wigwe family, the Ogunbanjo family, Access Bank Group employees and Management and my younger brother, Herbert’s partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”
On his part, Governor Obaseki, in a statement he personally signed, said the death of Wigwe is painful and heart-wrenching and has left him extremely shocked and devastated.
Obaseki said Wigwe was a colossus in Nigeria’s financial sector, leading Access Bank to become an international brand that placed Nigeria on the global map of first-class financial service.
He wrote, “We also unfortunately lost Wigwe’s wife and son, as well as the former Group Chairman of the Nigeria Stock Exchange, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, in the crash. The tragic incident is painful and heart-wrenching, and we pray for God’s abiding comfort in this profoundly difficult time.
“Wigwe was a colossus in Nigeria’s financial sector, leading Access Bank to become an international brand that placed Nigeria on the global map of first-class financial services. I commiserate with the Wigwe family, the Ogunbanjo family, Access Bank Holding, the Nigeria Stock Exchange, friends and associates, and pray that God will grant all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
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