1. Investigation underway at desert site where helicopter crashed
2. Desert site helicopter crash investigation.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Federal investigators have arrived at the crash site of a helicopter that departed from Palm Springs and crashed in the desert, resulting in the tragic deaths of six individuals. Among the victims were a prominent executive of a Nigerian bank, his wife, and son, as well as the former chair of the Nigerian Exchange Group. The investigation, led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), aims to gather essential evidence to determine the cause of the crash.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and NTSB Member Michael Graham, the accident occurred around 10:08 p.m. on Friday, approximately a quarter-mile east of Interstate 15 near Halloran Springs Road. The ill-fated helicopter, an Airbus Eurocopter EC130, had taken off from Palm Springs at 8:45 p.m. with its destination set for Boulder City, Nevada. The aircraft was chartered from Orbit Air, LLC, based in Burbank.
Michael Graham, commenting on the ongoing investigation, stated, “This is the beginning of a long process.” He explained that investigators would meticulously examine the crash scene, collecting perishable evidence. The comprehensive probe is anticipated to take between 12 to 24 months to complete.
The identities of the passengers on board the helicopter have been disclosed. The victims include 57-year-old Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, the Group CEO of Access Bank, a prominent Nigerian financial institution. Also among the casualties were Dr. Wigwe’s wife, son, and Abimbola Ogunbanjoa, the former chair of the Nigerian Exchange Group. However, the names of the pilot and co-pilot have not been released at this time.
The NTSB plans to investigate reports of downed power lines in the vicinity of the crash area, as well as witness accounts of rain and wintry mist. Witnesses also reported seeing fire in the vicinity of the crash. These factors may be crucial in determining the cause of the tragic incident.
Reacting to the devastating news, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization, expressed her condolences on social media, tweeting, “May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.” She extended her deepest sympathies to the Wigwe family, the Ogunbanjo family, and the employees and management of Access Bank Group.
The news of Dr. Herbert Wigwe’s passing and his involvement in the helicopter crash has shocked and devastated many, including Godwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo State in Nigeria. Governor Obaseki stated, “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.” He expressed his profound sadness and offered prayers for comfort during this difficult time.
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1. Investigation underway at desert site where helicopter crashed
2. Desert site where helicopter crashed investigation underway.
