Access Bank Responds to Tragic Plane Crash
Herbert Wigwe and wife Chizoba
In the wake of the devastating plane crash that claimed the lives of its Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, and his family in the United States of America, Access Corporation, the pan-African financial group and parent company of Access Bank Plc, has broken its silence to address the tragic incident.
In an e-mail sent to stakeholders in the early hours of Sunday, February 11, 2024, titled “IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT,” Access Corporation expressed its commitment to transparency and cooperation with US authorities regarding the crash. The e-mail, received at 1:28 AM, stated: “We have received numerous inquiries concerning an airplane crash in the USA. Presently, we lack specific information; however, we are actively cooperating with US authorities who will furnish updates. Your understanding and support are valued, and we commit to keeping you informed promptly as we receive updates on the situation.”
The confirmation of Wigwe’s presence on the manifest of the ill-fated helicopter, along with his wife Chizoba, their two children, and their friend Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), has intensified the grief surrounding the tragedy. Despite efforts, their remains are yet to be recovered.
The helicopter, en route from Los Angeles to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl, crashed near Nipton, between Nevada and California, on Friday night, as reported by Daily Global News. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the absence of survivors, with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department providing details of the crash site east of the 15-Freeway, near Halloran Springs Road.
The aircraft involved has been identified as a Eurocopter EC 130, and investigations into the cause of the crash are underway by both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.
As the financial world mourns the loss of Herbert Wigwe and his family, Access Corporation’s pledge to keep stakeholders informed and cooperate with authorities serves as a beacon of transparency during this difficult time.
