Access Holdings Plc has broken its silence on the helicopter crash in the United States that reportedly involved its Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, yesterday, stressing however that it lacks specific information on the details of the accident.
By Emma Ogbuehi
Access Holdings Plc has broken its silence on the helicopter crash in the United States that reportedly involved its Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, yesterday, stressing however that it lacks specific information on the details of the accident.
It rather admitted collaborating with the US authorities who it said would provide updates on the matter.
The firm made its position known in a post tagged “Important announcement” on its official Instagram handle, @myaccessbank.
There were reports on Saturday that Wigwe was feared dead when a helicopter conveying him and five others crashed on Friday night near the California-Nevada border in the US.
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UPDATED: Access Bank boss Herbert Wigwe and wife die in helicopter crash in U.S.
According to the reports, a chopper transporting Wigwehad crashed, killing him as well as about five others on board.
Sources said the chopper was headed to Las Vegas when it crashed near a border city between Nevada and California on Friday night.
It was gathered that Wigwe left Lagos on Wednesday, February 7 to watch the Super Bowl 58, an American football competition.
His wife and son were also said to be onboard the ill-fated helicopter.
Although there has not been official confirmation from Wigwe’s family or firm, prominent Nigerians such as the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi, among others have issued public statements mourning him.
The flurry of condolences notwithstanding, Access Bank did not mention Wigwe’s name in the message posted on its social media handle, regarding the accident.
The statement read, “We have received numerous inquiries concerning an airplane crash in the USA.
“Presently, we lack specific information; however, we are actively collaborating 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 US Federal Aviation Administration, had earlier confirmed the crash without disclosing the identities of the six people said to be onboard
The message on its website read, “A Eurocopter EC 130 helicopter crashed near Nipton, California, around 10 pm local time on Friday, February 9. Six people were on board.”