Plane carrying Copa Sudamericana finalist Chapecoense crashes in Colombia

Posted Tuesday, November 29, 2016 by Goal.com

The Brazilian club was en route to the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana final but reportedly never made it to Medellin because of a tragic accident.

A plane carrying Brazilian club Chapecoense to the Copa Sudamericana final has crashed in Colombia on Monday night, according to multiple South American media reports.

The reports, from Clarin, Caracol and other outlets, indicate the plane had an emergency in the Colombian department of Antioqueno and crashed. There are survivors of the incident, according to Clarin, and emergency crews transported injured to Le Ceja Hospital shortly after the crash. Telemedellin reported late Monday that the San Vicente Hospital also is preparing to treat people injured. Initial reports indicated that more than 70 people were on board the charter flight.

There have been were no deaths confirmed late Monday, and injury counts varied by media organization.

The plane was inbound from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, where the team stopped over after playing a league game against Palmeiras, which clinched the Brazilian championship with a victory. Chapecoense made the Copa Sudamericana final after advancing past Argentine side San Lorenzo on away goals. The first leg was set to take place in Medellin against Atletico Nacional on Wednesday.

The cause of the crash is currently unclear, with some reports citing poor weather around Medellin but others blaming a mechanical issue.