By NewsBits
The National Transportation Safety Board says a preliminary report on the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, and some prominent Nigerians in California, USA, on Friday will be released within four weeks.
A Board Member at the NTSB, Michael Graham, who disclosed in a press briefing, said the preliminary report would provide initial insights into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Wigwe, his wife Doreen, their son Chizi, and the former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Abimola Ogunbanjo, lost their lives in the tragic air crash.
The Airbus Helicopter EC130B4, which was carrying them, crashed at a border town between California and Nevada. The unfortunate incident resulted in the demise of all six occupants, including the two crew members. Graham stated, “This would be NTSB’s last on-scene press briefing. The unseen portion of the investigation will continue until completed.
“As a reminder, a preliminary report of the accident is expected within 30 days, and the full NTSB investigation lasts 12 to 24 months before the final report is issued. Any additional information about the status of the investigation will come from the NTSB headquarters in Washington DC.”
Earlier, the investigation team upon arrival at the scene had conducted aerial drone mapping and documented the wreckage. The US agency mentioned that the wreckage was scheduled to be relocated to a secure facility on Tuesday for further scrutiny and analysis.
The investigator clarified that the flight track data concluded approximately a quarter mile from the wreckage location. The wreckage site reveals that the helicopter impacted the terrain at a ‘nose-low and right-bank angle. The investigators listed these components, which include three main rotor blades, aircraft engine, tail rotor, landing gear, and skids.
On Monday, the Federal Government through the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau stated that it was in talks with the NTSB to provide necessary support on the ongoing investigation of the circumstances that led to the crash of the chopper.
The Director-General, NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh, said the crash had brought a colossal loss to Nigeria, adding, “Our hearts go out to the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families and loved ones affected by this tragedy. We extend our deepest sympathies to them during this difficult time.”
Herbert Wigwe is survived by his four siblings, his 90-year-old father, Pastor Shingle Wigwe, who retired as the director-general of the Nigerian Television Authority, his mother Mrs. Wigwe, a nurse, and his four children. Before his untimely passing, Herbert Wigwe served as the leader of Nigeria’s largest bank by assets, Access Bank, leaving a significant void in the institution. Nevertheless, the bank swiftly announced his replacement on Monday.
Access Holdings Plc disclosed the appointment of Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer. The company’s Board of Directors in a statement on Tuesday said Agbede’s appointment was contingent upon the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
On Monday, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote; and former Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank PLC, Aig-Imoukhuede Aigboje, extended their sympathies by visiting Wigwe’s family. The outpouring of condolences and visits from influential figures underscore the impact and recognition of Herbert Wigwe’s contributions to the financial sector.
