President Putin Expresses Condolences Over Brazilian Plane Crash in Colombia

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday expressed condolences to Brazil's President Michel Temer over the crash of a Brazilian passenger plane that killed 75 people, the Kremlin press service said.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The plane, operated by the Lamia Corporation airline, was carrying 81 people including the Brazilian Chapecoense Real football team when it crashed earlier on Tuesday in northwestern Colombia. According to official reports, six people were hospitalized after surviving the crash.

"In a message of condolences, the head of the Russian state expressed the words of empathy and support to the relatives of the victims, as well as quick recovery wishes to those who survived the catastrophe," the press service said in a statement.

The crew reported an emergency situation during the flight citing power problems between the municipality of the Ceja and the Union in the Antioquia department.

The passengers of the aircraft that crashed after disappearing in Colombian airspace included members of the Brazilian Chapecoense Real football team.

According to media reports, the football team was on the way to participate in the South American Cup final against Atletico Nacional in a game set for Wednesday. The game was suspended due to the accident.