6 Dead in southern California helicopter crash

Six people die in a charter helicopter crash in a southern California desert

A helicopter crashed in Southern California’s desert near Mojave National Preserve, claiming the lives of 6 individuals. The authorities have identified the victims of the accident.

The National Transportation Safety Board, which is currently investigating the incident, has reported that the individuals on board included a pilot, a secondary safety pilot and four passengers. 

Co-founder of Access Bank Herbert O. Wigwe, 57, and former chair of Nigerian stock exchange, NGX Group, Abimbola O. Ogunbanjo, 61, were among those who died, as confirmed by family members from Wigwe’s home village of Isiokpo. 

On Tuesday, coroners identified the other victims as Herbert Chizi Wigwe, 29, and Doreen Chizoba Wigwe, 56. They were the son and wife of Wigwe, respectively. The pilots who lost their lives in the crash were Blake Hansen, 22, from Moorpark, and Benjamin Pettingill, 25, from Camarillo.

The Airbus EC130 helicopter carrying the six individuals crashed on Friday night east of the 15 Freeway, near Halloran Springs Road, as reported by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department on Saturday. The helicopter had departed from Palm Springs International Airport at 8:45 p.m. and was en route to Boulder City, Nevada. 

According to broadcast reports, the passengers were allegedly traveling to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl. 

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. 

Source: Newsroom