Football fans all over the world are in a state of misery after what was about to be a moment in history for the Brazilian team that was fatally killed in a plane crash. Astonishingly, there were six survivors. Here is what is known.
What happened?
The Lamia plane flew from Santa Cruz de La Sierra (Bolivia) and was heading to Medellin (Columbia). It is said that the plane ran out of fuel and lost contact with the ground control due to an electrical fault. We know this because there is a recording in which the pilot was requesting to land due to the electrical failure and the lack of fuel. On the way to Medellin, a fuel stop was planned but the airport was closed for the night so they carried on with their journey and the outcome was not expected. The theory that the plane crashed without any fuel was supported by rescue workers on the ground on Tuesday, who were surprised to see no explosion or fire.
Who Survived?
The Lamia plane carried 77 passengers. Chapecoence (the team) were travelling to Medellin to play against Atletico Nacional in Copa Sudamericana final. Three of the six survivors were members of the team, and they were: defenders Alan Ruschel and Helio Zemper Neto and a reserve goal keeper Jackson Follman. Follman’s right leg has been amputated. Ruschel underwent spinal surgery, and Neto had severe trauma to his skull, thorax and lungs. They are all in intensive care and in critical but stable condition. Chapecoense’s main goal keeper, Marcos Danilo Padilha, was rescued from the wreckage but unfortunately died. Flight attendant Ximena Suarez ,flight technician Erwin Tumiri and journalist Rafael Henzel were also amongst the survivors.
Who is Chapecoence?
Chapecoence is a Brazilian Football club based in the city of Chapeco. The club was founded in 1973 and won their first title in 1977. From then onwards the club won 5 other state championships. As a relatively small club entering Brazil’s top league ,Serie A, was a total blow away. After beating San Lorenzo de Almagro they somehow managed to get into the finals. History was being made, it was the team’s biggest match. Following the crash, Atletico Nacional requested that Chapecoence should be awarded the trophy. There are many clips of international teams paying tribute to this tragedy.
What have been the reaction after the crash?
Moises Santos (member of the club) was disallowed to board the plane as he forget his passport and has said the 36 year old pilot ‘assassinated’ the team. He also mentioned the fact that ‘it wasn’t an accident.’ Unlike Moises the press are too sad to blame anyone for the crash. The fans all gathered at Chapecoence stadium to mourn for their team. The seventy-one passengers on board who our now sleeping peacefully can know that they did something special, very special.
Some questions remain:
Why did the pilot not wait and refuel the plane in the morning? Did he (or the airline/airport) want to save time?
Why did the captain not land the plane earlier, knowing he was short on petrol? Did he think he could make it?
Was it a piloting error or a technical error?
Hopefully, the investigation that will take place over the next weeks and months will reveal the answer to these questions.