On Friday, February 9th, a somber shadow was cast over the Super Bowl festivities as a helicopter crash in the Southern California desert claimed the lives of six individuals. Among the deceased were Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Nigeria’s Access Bank, his wife Chizoba, and their son Chizi. The Airbus EC130, charting a course from Palm Springs to Boulder City, Nevada, met its tragic end near Baker, California, around 10 p.m., igniting a fire upon impact with the desert terrain.
The crash not only took the lives of a prominent Nigerian family but also highlighted the unforeseen dangers of air travel, even amidst the excitement of one of the United States’ most anticipated sporting events. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, in a heartfelt statement, mourned the loss, emphasizing the magnitude of the tragedy, saying, “Their passing is an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension. I extend my condolences to the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community, and all those impacted by this harrowing incident.”
The aircraft, operated by California-based charter company Orbic Air, had embarked on its ill-fated journey around 8:45 p.m., only to crash shortly after 10 p.m. near Interstate 15 in Halloran Springs, California. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft ablaze after it crashed, a testament to the sudden and violent nature of the incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration, alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), has launched an investigation into the crash. Preliminary findings suggest the helicopter encountered adverse weather conditions, including rain and a “wintery mix,” which may have contributed to the tragic outcome.
As the investigation continues, the aviation community and the families affected await answers, hoping to find closure in the wake of this devastating event. The loss of Herbert Wigwe and his family is not only a personal tragedy for their loved ones but also a significant loss to the Nigerian business community and beyond. Their legacy, marked by ambition and achievement, will be remembered as the investigation seeks to prevent future tragedies of this nature.
