Plane crashes carrying Chapecoense players
A chartered aircraft reportedly carrying 82 people, including players from Brazilian side Chapecoense has crashed on its way to Medellin airport from Bolivia.
Chapecoense was scheduled to play in the Copa Sudamerica final against Atletico Nacional on Thursday, but a plane reportedly carrying members of the side has crashed on the outskirts of Medellin.
Colombian police have confirmed 71 fatalities from the horrific crash, prompting CONMEBOL, the South American football confederation, to suspend "all activities" until further notice.
In a post on the club's official Facebook page, Chapecoense said: "Given the conflicting reports emerging from different journalistic sources concerning the crash of the plane carrying the Chapecoense players, the Chapecoense football association through it vice-president, Ivan Tozzo, is refraining from comment and awaiting official announcements from the Colombian air authorities.
"May God be with our athletes, leaders, journalists and the other guests who are with the delegation."
A photo has circulated on twitter showing the team on the plane before takeoff.
Medellin’s Mayor Federico Gutierrez expressed his sadness, while remaining hopeful after the airport confirmed there were survivors from the crash.
“It’s a tragedy of huge proportions,” Gutierrez told Blu Radio.
Atletico Nacional confirmed an accident and said it was awaiting further details.
"Nacional regrets deeply and is in solidarity with @chapecoensereal by the accident which has happened and further information is expected from authorities," a tweet from the club read.
The cause of the crash is yet to be confirmed.