Colombia’s civil aviation agency now says at least six people have survived the plane crash that killed more than 70 people, including many members of a Brazilian soccer team.
The agency statement says at least three Chapecoence players, two plane crew members and one journalist survived Monday’s crash near the city of Medellin.
The main focus of the investigation into the crash of a chartered plane carrying a Brazilian soccer team to Colombia is the distress call from the aircraft reporting an electrical failure. But the head of Colombia’s civil aviation agency says that authorities aren’t ruling out the possibility the flight ran out of fuel. The crash killed 76 people while five others survived. A man who initially survived has died.
Tributes pour in after the plane crash involving players from Brazilian club Chapecoense. 76 people confirmed dead https://t.co/fuRM0itiv2 pic.twitter.com/gvTebq8dBc
— CNN (@CNN) November 29, 2016
Fans surround Chapecoense's stadium to pray for all those who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash. ??? pic.twitter.com/5FOhkkeGJa
— Football Tweet (@Football__Tweet) November 29, 2016
Meantime, an injury sidelined Chapecoence soccer player Alejandro Martinuccio. It also likely saved his life.
The Argentine forward wasn’t able to play in the scheduled match in Colombia, so he wasn’t on the team plane that crashed Monday night in Colombia, killing most of those aboard. He told Argentina’s La Red radio that “I was saved because I got injured.”
“I feel profound sadness,” he said. “The only thing I can ask is prayers for the companions who were on the flight.”
The 28-year-old has played for Spain’s Villarreal, Penarol of Uruguay and Brazilian clubs Coritiba, Ponte Preta, Cruzeiro and Fluminense.
Brazilian Team On Board Plane Crash Which Has Killed 75 People. Football world is in tears today.https://t.co/JBUr1mla06 pic.twitter.com/l0LPh1dN6v
— 9GAG (@9GAG) November 29, 2016
Source: AP