By Trend News Line 2024-02-11 04:42:24.
Federal Investigators Probe Helicopter Crash in California Desert
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Federal investigators are currently on the ground in the desert, 75 miles northeast of Barstow, examining the wreckage of a helicopter crash that claimed the lives of six individuals. Among the victims were an executive of a Nigerian bank, his wife and son, as well as the former chair of the Nigerian Exchange Group.
The tragic incident occurred at 10:08 p.m. on Friday, approximately a quarter-mile east of Interstate 15 near Halloran Springs Road. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Member Michael Graham confirmed the details of the crash.
According to Graham, the Airbus Eurocopter EC130 helicopter had departed from Palm Springs at 8:45 p.m., destined for Boulder City, Nevada. The French-made helicopter was chartered from Orbit Air, LLC in Burbank.
“This is the beginning of a long process,” stated Graham, referring to the federal investigation. He further explained that investigators would commence their work by collecting perishable evidence at the crash scene. The entire probe is expected to take anywhere between 12 to 24 months to complete.
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The passengers onboard the ill-fated helicopter have been identified as 57-year-old Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, the Group CEO of Nigeria-based Access Bank, along with his wife and son. Additionally, Abimbola Ogunbanjoa, the former chair of the Nigerian Exchange Group, was also among the victims. However, the identities of the pilot and co-pilot have yet to be disclosed.
The NTSB plans to thoroughly investigate media reports suggesting that power lines in the area were downed during the crash. They will also examine witness accounts of rain and “wintery mist” at the time of the accident. Eyewitnesses reported seeing fire at the crash site.
Following the tragedy, condolences poured in from around the world. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization, expressed her sympathies on Twitter, while Godwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo State in Nigeria, mourned the loss of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, describing him as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s financial sector.
The investigation into this heartbreaking incident is ongoing, as authorities work diligently to uncover the cause of the helicopter crash..
– Investigation underway at desert site where helicopter crashed
– Desert site where helicopter crashed investigation.
