Reports reaching Nairametrics indicate that a helicopter carrying Herbert Wigwe, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Holding, and five other people crashed around the California-Nevada Border.
Nairametrics also understands that his wife, son, and former chairman of the NGX Abimbola Ogunbanjo were also on board the flight.
Access Bank confirmed this on Sunday in a statement published on X, following an earlier statement made on Saturday when it was unclear what the status of the passengers on the chopper was.
The bank has now officially confirmed the demise of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, the Founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc.
The billionaire investor died alongside his wife and son on Friday, February 9, 2024, in a helicopter accident in the United States of America.
The crash is thought to have happened shortly after 10 pm (US California Time). The passengers were flying in a Eurocopter EC 130 helicopter which took off from Palmsprings heading to Boulder City, Nevada.
- However, sources inform Nairametrics that the business mogul may have been travelling with his family to attend the Super Bowl taking place in Las Vegas on Sunday.
- Sources suggest he took the chopper flight to Boulder City where he would have joined other close friends and family en route to the Super Bowl.
What others are saying
However, sources with knowledge of the matter confirm to Nairametrics that Herbert Wigwe was on board the helicopter but cannot confirm if he is dead or if there were survivors.
- In addition, reports from CBS News, a US-based Media Outlet, stated that the crash resulted in fatalities as there were no survivors.
- According to reports, the aircraft, en route from Palm Springs to Boulder City, Nevada, was carrying a total of six individuals, all of whom tragically perished in the crash.
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the presence of six passengers on board, and early Saturday reports sadly indicated that “no survivors have been located.”
During a press briefing at 6:00 pm (Pacific Time), the United States National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that a helicopter crash resulted in the “tragic loss of all six individuals on board, comprising two crew members and four passengers.”
What NTSB is saying
The National Travel and Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States also tweeted “NTSB launching go team to investigate Friday’s crash of an Airbus Helicopters EC-130 near Halloran Springs, California. Team to arrive on scene today.”
Following the field investigation, a press conference was held around 3:am Nigerian time where the NTSB provided the following updates.
- “The NTSB just recently within about an hour ago arrived on scene for this accident investigation last night at 8:45 pm Pacific Standard Time, and Airbus DC 130. The helicopter departed Palm Springs, California en route to Boulder City, Nevada.
- “At about 10:08 pm, The helicopter copter impacted the train south of I-15 near Holleran Springs, California. Halloween Springs is about 75 miles northeast of Barstow, two crew members and four passengers were on board and were fatally injured.
- “Before I go any further on behalf of the NTSB, I’d like to express our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this terrible tragedy.
- We have a representative from the NTSB Transportation Disaster Assistance division on the scene with us. She is currently working with family members of those who lost their lives and will provide support as well on investigative updates as they become available. ”
Investigating parties
Further details from NTSB show that the incident involved a helicopter operated by Orbit Air LLC in a part 135 charter flight capacity.
- Initial witness reports suggest challenging weather conditions at the time, with rain and wintry mix prevalent.
- The agency plans to release a preliminary report in the coming weeks, providing an initial overview of the incident. However, a comprehensive investigative report is expected to take between 12 to 24 months before its final publication.
- Also, the ongoing investigation into the recent helicopter crash will involve key parties collaborating to uncover the root causes.
This story has been updated to reflect new information
Praying for their survival. Herbert Wigwe and Bimbo Ogunbajo are two of the GOOD ones…
Very sad news. Helicopter crashes are becoming very frequent. Perhaps regulators need to restrict their operations during even the slightest signs of bad weather..
Herbert Onyewumbu Nwigwe ;A great Igbo,son of the soil, intrepid entrepreneur,UNN fine gift to Nigeria gone before his time. May the All knowing Jehovah grant his soul peace,and salvation through his only son Jesus Christ,Amen.