The flight
was carrying the Chapecoense side to the final of the Copa Sudamericana, where
they were due to face Colombian team Atletico Nacional on Wednesday
A plane
carrying a South American football team has crashed in Colombia - killing 76 of the 81 people on
board.
The plane was carrying
the Brazilian side Chapecoense to Medellin airport when it fell from the sky
after suffering electrical problems.
The jet split in two
when it crashed in mountains shortly at around 10pm local time (3am UK time),
shortly before it was due to land.
The hero pilot is
reported to have opened a fuel door to release fuel and prevent a huge
explosion.
There were 72 passengers
and nine crew on board the charter plane, which was taking the 22-man squad to
their match against Atletico Nacional.
Police commander José Acevedo told local
media 75 people died at the scene and one person on their way to hospital.
Earlier, Mayor of Medellin Federico Gutierrez
said: "This is a tragedy. we have pictures of the plane, which broke in
two.
"We thank God the
plane did not fall in an urban area because it could have been an even greater
tragedy."
Defender Alan Ruschel
and goalkeepers Danilo Padilha and Jakson Follmann were reported to be three of
the survivors taken to hospital.
But around nine hours
after the crash, the club confirmed Danilo Padilha has died in hospital.
 |
Alan Ruschel
and Danilo are reported to be among the survivors
|
Ruschel - who suffered a broken hip and head
injuries - was heard asking medics to look after his wedding ring as he arrived
at hospital.
It is understood 21
journalists were also among those travelling on board.
The aircraft, registered
CP2933 and belonging to the airline Lamia Bolivia, was used by Argentina and
Barcelona stars Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano just three weeks ago.
Courtesy: mirror.co.uk
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