76 have lost their lives so far, as the plane carrying 81 went down near Medellin; Colombia ahead of the 1st leg clash.
Football fans woke up on Tuesday to tragic news, as it was reported that a plane carrying players of the Brazilian club Chapecoense crashed. The accident happened to a plane headed for Medellin, Colombia.
81 people – 72 of which were passengers – were reported to be on board that plane, including players of the club, when it went down. As written by the BBC, the plane reported electric problems; whilst Radio Caracol claim that the plane “lost contact with the control tower when flying through the municipality of La Ceja, near Medellin”.
81 people – 72 of which were passengers – were reported to be on board that plane, including players of the club, when it went down. As written by the BBC, the plane reported electric problems; whilst Radio Caracol claim that the plane “lost contact with the control tower when flying through the municipality of La Ceja, near Medellin”.
The radio station went on to reveal that 10 survivors have been found, citing “authorities of the municipality of La Union, Antioquia” as their source. Three of the 10 survivors are believed to be Chapecoense players. BBC claim that Alan Ruschel and Danilo are of the survivors.
Sadly, a Medellin police officer revealed to Radio Caracol that they fear 75 people have lost their life after the crash. The Mayor also disclosed that rain has hampered their rescue mission.
Shortly afterwards, confirmation of the aforementioned death toll was confirmed via Commander Jose Gerardo Acevedo of the Medellin Police. The tragic news came via Twitter.
“Commander Jose Gerardo Acevedo of Medellin Police confirms that 75 people in accident with the Chapecoense team were killed”
The South American football association (CONMEBOL) wrote a statement in which they suspended all activities. They said: “The Conmebol family greatly regrets what happened. All activities of the confederation are suspended until further notice,” it said.
The club, who ply their trade in the Brazilian top-flight, were flying to Colombia to play the first-leg of the Copa Sudamericana final with reigning Cope Libertadores champions Atletico Nacional.
