By Trend News Line 2024-02-11 04:42:12.
Federal Investigators Probing Fatal Helicopter Crash in California Desert
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In a tragic incident that shook the aviation world, a Burbank-based helicopter crashed in the desert, claiming the lives of six people. Among the victims were an executive of a Nigerian bank, his wife and son, and the former chair of the Nigerian Exchange Group. Federal investigators have been deployed to the crash site, located 75 miles northeast of Barstow, to determine the cause of the devastating accident.
According to reports from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Member Michael Graham, the crash occurred at approximately 10:08 p.m. on Friday, close to Halloran Springs Road, just east of Interstate 15. The Airbus Eurocopter EC130 helicopter, chartered from Orbit Air, LLC in Burbank, had departed from Palm Springs at 8:45 p.m., with its destination set for Boulder City, Nevada.
Graham emphasized that the federal investigation will be a lengthy process, lasting between 12 and 24 months. Initially, investigators will focus on collecting perishable evidence from the crash scene. The NTSB will also explore media reports of downed power lines in the area and witness accounts of rain and “wintery mist” during the time of the accident.
The victims on board the ill-fated helicopter have been identified as Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, the 57-year-old Group CEO of Access Bank, a prominent Nigerian financial institution, along with his wife and son. Additionally, Abimbola Ogunbanjoa, the former chair of the Nigerian Exchange Group, was also among the passengers. The pilot and copilot have yet to be officially identified.
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Eyewitnesses reported seeing fire in the crash area, adding to the tragedy and devastation of the incident. The news of the fatal crash has sent shockwaves throughout Nigeria and the global financial community. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization, expressed her deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims and the employees of Access Bank.
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, located in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, expressed his shock and devastation upon hearing the news. He described Dr. Herbert Wigwe as a visionary leader who transformed Access Bank into a globally recognized financial institution. Obaseki extended his prayers and heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this profound loss.
As investigators begin their painstaking work to uncover the cause of this tragic crash, the world mourns the loss of these exceptional individuals. May their souls rest in perfect peace..
1. Investigation underway at desert site where Burbank-based helicopter crashed
2. Investigation underway at desert site of Burbank-based helicopter crash.
