ADVERTISEMENT

What we know about Colombia plane crash

Colombia's disaster management agency have confirmed that 71 people were killed.

Rescuers work on recovering the bodies of victims of the LAMIA airlines charter that crashed in the mountains of Cerro Gordo, Colombia, on November 29, 2016

What happened?

The charter flight from the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz reported "electrical failures" around 10:00 pm Monday (0300 GMT Tuesday).

Soon after, the plane crashed just short of its destination, the Medellin international airport in northwestern Colombia.

ADVERTISEMENT

The plane broke apart on impact in the remote mountains of Cerro Gordo, leaving the shattered white fuselage plastered on a hillside.

The plane's two black boxes have been found. Officials did not immediately say how long it would take to analyze their contents.

The mountainous terrain is very difficult to access, a local official said.

Rescuers had to hike for more than half an hour to reach the site.

How many died?

ADVERTISEMENT

Colombia's disaster management agency said 71 people were killed.

It lowered an initial death toll of 75 given by the civil aviation authority after it emerged that four people on the passenger manifest had not in fact boarded the plane.

Six people survived: three players, two crew members and a journalist.

The survivors are being treated in hospital.

The regional governor, Luis Perez, said it was a "miracle" they survived.

ADVERTISEMENT

Who were the victims?

The plane was carrying club team Chapecoense Real to the first game of a two-leg final to decide the Copa Sudamericana, South America's second-biggest club tournament.

Based in the city of Chapeco in southern Brazil, the unsung team was having a Cinderella season after defying the odds to reach the Copa Sudamericana finals.

The team's goalkeeper Marcos Danilo Padilha, 31, died on the way to hospital after the crash, the civil aviation authority said.

His last-minute save in the semi-final had sealed the team's spot in the final.

ADVERTISEMENT

There were 20 Brazilian journalists among the dead.

They included six employees from the Brazilian affiliate of Fox Sports television. One of them, Mario Sergio, was a well-known announcer and former Brazilian international football player.

What was the plane's history?

The British Aerospace 146 airliner entered into operation in 1999, said a spokesman for the manufacturer.

The four-engine jet had been used by two other airlines before being sold to Bolivian charter company LAMIA, which operated the flight.

ADVERTISEMENT

Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch said it was sending investigators to Colombia along with representatives of the plane's manufacturer BAE Systems to help with investigations.

The same plane was used two weeks ago to fly the Argentine national football team -- with superstar Lionel Messi on board -- to San Juan, Argentina for a World Cup qualifying match, according to aviation specialist tracking sites.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

We’re not stopping - Onakoya extends Guinness World record chess marathon target by 2 hours

We’re not stopping - Onakoya extends Guinness World record chess marathon target by 2 hours

'We have done it': Tunde Onakoya reaches 58-hour mark chess marathon

'We have done it': Tunde Onakoya reaches 58-hour mark chess marathon

Forgive me my papa - Self-acclaimed Hausa traditional ruler kneels to beg Oba of Benin

Forgive me my papa - Self-acclaimed Hausa traditional ruler kneels to beg Oba of Benin

Fubara grows Rivers IGR by over 100%, less than 1 year after Wike's tenure

Fubara grows Rivers IGR by over 100%, less than 1 year after Wike's tenure

Plateau University suspends exams over killing of student

Plateau University suspends exams over killing of student

Nigeria laughing stock of the rest of the world due to insecurity - TY Danjuma

Nigeria laughing stock of the rest of the world due to insecurity - TY Danjuma

APC group claims Tinubu’s initiatives stimulating economic recovery

APC group claims Tinubu’s initiatives stimulating economic recovery

Plateau Gov urges calm after attack that led to death of 200-level PLASU student

Plateau Gov urges calm after attack that led to death of 200-level PLASU student

NAFDAC reopens popular Ibadan supermarket shut for selling unregistered product

NAFDAC reopens popular Ibadan supermarket shut for selling unregistered product

Pulse Sports

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT