Tragic Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Nigerian Bank CEO and Associates in California Desert

The CEO of Access Bank in Nigeria, Herbert Wigwe, and five others tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in the Southern California desert on Friday night, announced by World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Among the deceased were Herbert Wigwe’s wife and son, as well as Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former group chairman of the Nigeria Stock Exchange. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu also confirmed the identities of the passengers who perished in the crash.

Nigerian President Tinubu expressed profound condolences to the family members and all those affected by the devastating incident. Access Bank, where Wigwe was the CEO, also mourned his passing and hailed his impactful leadership.

The fatal crash involved a Eurocopter EC130 helicopter that went down near Nipton, California, operated by charter company Orbic Air. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are currently investigating the circumstances of the crash.

According to NTSB member Michael Graham, the helicopter departed from Palm Springs en route to Boulder City, Nevada, before crashing near Interstate 15. Witnesses reported poor weather conditions at the time of the accident.

Graham detailed that the helicopter descended rapidly before impacting the terrain in a fiery explosion. All four passengers onboard, along with the pilot and a safety pilot, lost their lives in the tragic event.

The NTSB extended heartfelt sympathies to the families of the deceased, recognizing the immense tragedy and loss resulting from the helicopter crash.