Tragedy has struck the world of professional soccer.
A chartered plane transporting Brazilian football team Chapecoense to Medellin’s international airport in Colombia crashed on Monay night, killing 76 people.
According to Colombian officials, only five people survived the accident.
The team was on its way to play Bolivia in the Copa Sudamericana tournament when the aircraft went down.
Just prior to the crash, crew members reported electrical problems on the vehicle as it flew over towns near Medellin.
Aviation authorities have confirmed that a state of emergency was declared around 10 p.m. local time as a result of these malfunctions.
Among the five survivors were player Alan Ruschel… a journalist … and a flight attendant, the latter of whom reportedly told authorities that the plane ran out of fuel before crashing.
Ruschel reportedly suffered injuries, including a lumbar spine fracture, and went straight into surgery after he was rescued, NBC News reports.
As pictured above, the team actually posed for a selfie just moments before boarding the plane.
The charter aircraft took off from Bolivia and was carrying 72 passengers and nine crew members, including Chapecoense; the squad was scheduled to play in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana final against Atletico Nacional on Wednesday in Medellin.
In response to this tragedy, CONMEBOL – South American football’s governing body – has released a statement that says Copa Sudamericana final and “all federation activities” have been suspended until further notice.
The Copa Sudamericana is South America’s secondary competition involving club’s across the continent; it ranks below the Copa Libertadores.
In a message on their Facebook page, Chapecoense said:
“May God accompany our athletes, officials, journalists and other guests traveling with our delegation.”
Added the Brazilian Football Federation: “Our solidarity and prayers are with the passengers and crew.”
Chapecoense player Alejandro Martinuccio, who was not traveling with his team due to injury, was quoted by Spanish outlet Marca as telling Radio de la Red:
“We are all at the club, we cannot believe it.”
He added:
“We are waiting on news, I have survived as I was injured. I feel a deep sadness for my teammates. The only thing I can say is to pray for them.”
The team played in a small, 22,000-seat stadium in the town of Chapeco. Players had an especially close relationship with fans there.
“Chapecoense was the biggest source of happiness in the town,” the club’s vice-president, Ivan Tozzo, told Brazil’s SporTV. “Many in the town are crying.”
We send our thoughts, prayers and condolences to the family members and loved ones of all victims.