A plane carrying members of Brazilian football team Chapecoense has crashed in Colombia, reportedly killing 76 people.
The aircraft, which is believed to have had 72 passengers and nine crew onboard, came down in a mountainous area outside Medellin at 10.15pm local time, according to widespread reports.
It was later confirmed that the plane was carrying members of Brazil Serie A side Chapecoense ahead of the final of the Copa Sudamericana against Medellin side Atletico Nacional.
The first leg of the final was due to take place on Wednesday night, but the competition has now been suspended amid reports that 76 people died during the disaster.
It is understood that Chapecoense players Alan Ruschel, Danilo and Jackson Follmann and physiotherapist Rafael Gobbato all survived, but the status of the rest of the travelling party has not yet been confirmed.
It is thought that the plane declared an emergency due to a power failure and heavy storms made it difficult for the rescue operation to be undertaken once details of the crash had been confirmed.
Chapecoense, who were promoted to the top flight of Brazilian football in 2014, have since revealed on Twitter that they will issue an official statement in the coming hours.
Matt Law
