Tragedy struck on Friday night as a helicopter crash in the Mojave Desert near the California-Nevada border claimed the lives of six people, including the CEO of a major Nigerian bank. Herbert Wigwe, his wife, and son were among the victims of the accident, along with Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of the Nigeria Stock Exchange. Both pilots on board also lost their lives in the crash, which occurred while the chartered Airbus EC130 helicopter was en route from Palm Springs, California, to Boulder City, Nevada.
The helicopter, operated by California-based charter company Orbic Air, took off in the evening and crashed a little over an hour later near Interstate 15 in Halloran Springs, California. Witness reports indicated that the helicopter caught fire upon impact, and there were mentions of rain and wintry weather conditions at the time of the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the incident to determine its cause.
While authorities have not officially released the identities of those killed in the crash, condolences have been pouring in for the Wigwe family and Ogunbanjo. Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed deep shock and referred to the deaths as an “overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.” Similarly, Godwin Obaseki, the governor of Nigeria’s Edo State, described the loss as “irreparable” and praised Wigwe’s contribution to Nigeria’s financial sector.
Herbert Wigwe was highly regarded for his leadership in the banking industry. He became the Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank in 2014 and played a pivotal role in transforming the bank into an international brand. Access Bank released a statement honoring Wigwe as a “visionary leader” with a legacy of excellence and compassion. They emphasized his commitment to social impact initiatives that have left a lasting impact on both Access Holdings and the communities they serve.
The cause of the helicopter crash remains unknown, and investigators from the NTSB are on site gathering evidence. They plan to return to the crash scene to continue documenting the wreckage and will also employ the use of a drone to create an aerial map of the site. The NTSB has requested that anyone who witnessed the crash or has photos or videos of the incident come forward to assist with their investigation. While a preliminary investigation report will be released in the coming weeks, it may take up to two years before a final report is published.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictability of accidents. The loss of Herbert Wigwe, his family, and the other victims is deeply mourned by their loved ones, colleagues, and the wider community. The impact of their lives and contributions will be remembered and celebrated as their legacies endure.
