The family of the late Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former chairman of Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group, who lost his life in a helicopter crash in California, has taken legal action against the helicopter company involved.
Along with Ogunbanjo, the crash claimed the lives of former Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife, and son.
Ogunbanjo’s wife and two children filed a lawsuit in San Bernardino County Superior Court against Orbic Air and its CEO, Brady Bowers, citing wrongful death and negligence.
The family alleges that the flight should have been canceled due to dangerous weather conditions.
According to reports, the crash occurred amidst a mix of snow and rain in the Mojave Desert on February 9. Andrew C. Robb, one of the attorneys representing the Ogunbanjo family, emphasized the preventable nature of the tragedy, stating, “Helicopters do not do very well in snow and ice.”
The lawsuit aims to hold accountable both the helicopter company and the successors of individuals responsible for the flight’s operation.
However, Orbic Air has not issued any statement regarding the legal proceedings.
The National Transportation Safety Board is actively investigating the crash. A preliminary report from the agency described witnesses seeing a fireball during the crash amid adverse weather conditions.