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South Africa Sends Condolences for Victims of Brazil Plane Crash

PRETORIA – President Jacob Zuma has conveyed a message of condolence to the government and people of Brazil after a chartered plane crashed over a mountainous region in Colombia on Tuesday morning. In a statement, President Zuma sent his condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of all the victims of the crash. The chartered plane, […]

By SAPeople
29-11-16 19:00
in Eish!

PRETORIA – President Jacob Zuma has conveyed a message of condolence to the government and people of Brazil after a chartered plane crashed over a mountainous region in Colombia on Tuesday morning.

In a statement, President Zuma sent his condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of all the victims of the crash.

The chartered plane, carrying players from a Brazilian football team headed to Colombia for a regional tournament final, crashed on its way to Medellin’s airport in Colombia, killing 75 people.

Six people are confirmed to have survived the crash, of which at least two are footballers. According to the BBC, one survivor – defender Alan Ruschel – is in shock but talking, and has asked to keep his wedding ring and talk to his family.

The Chapecoense football team, and an accompanying entourage of staff and journalists, were among the 72 passengers and nine crew on board the aircraft. Fox has confirmed six of its employees were killed.

Early reports have blamed an electrical fault for the crash. The pilot reported the fault shortly before the plane lost contact with Ground Control.

The team were on their way to play in the the first leg of the South American Cup Final (Copa Sudamericana) against Medellin’s Atletico Nacional. It was a dream come true for them. Atletico Nacional have requested that the Chapecoense team be given the Cup.

Brazil’s President Michel Temer has announced three days of national mourning for the country. 

“On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, I wish to send my deepest condolences to the Government of Brazil, particularly the families and friends affected by the tragedy. We wish the survivors a speedy recovery,” said President Zuma. – Partly sourced SAnews.gov.za