Colombian president laments plane crash that killed 71

"A tragedy that grieves us. We lament the accident of the plane that was carrying #Chapecoense. Solidarity with the families of the victims and with Brazil," Santos tweeted, Xinhua news reported.

Bogota, Nov 30: President Juan Manuel Santos has lamented the plane crash near Medellin in Colombia that killed 71 people.

"A tragedy that grieves us. We lament the accident of the plane that was carrying #Chapecoense. Solidarity with the families of the victims and with Brazil," Santos tweeted, Xinhua news reported on Wednesday.

The passengers included players from Brazilian soccer team Chapecoense.

The plane took off from Bolivia, and declared an emergency between the municipal areas of La Ceja and La Union, said a statement from Colombian aviation officials.

One of the survivors died on the way to the hospital, officials said.

The death toll was previously reported as 76 but was later revised to 71 by local authorities.

Santos also confirmed reports that six people survived the crash, including three football players, two crew members and a sports writer.

At least 20 journalists travelling with the team were killed.

South American Football Confederation Conmebol suspended "all confederation events until further notice."

Two black boxes were reportedly recovered from the crash site.

IANS