Brazil Chapecoense Football Team in Colombia Plane Crash

A plane carrying about 72 passengers  including members of a Brazilian soccer team and nine crew members crashed near Rionegro, Colombia, according to the country's civil aviation department.

The tragic accident took place in an area known as Cerro El Gordo near Medellin, as the department said.

According to a statement from Colombian aviation officials, the plane declared an emergency between the municipalities of La Ceja and La Union.

The aircraft, flying from Bolivia, was carrying members of the Chapecoense football team, reported by airport officials. The team was due to play in the final of the Copa Sudamericana, against Medellin team Atletico Nacional.

The first leg of the final of the cup, South America's second most important club competition, was scheduled for Wednesday. However, the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) said it was suspending "all activities".

The civil aviation agency announced that six passengers -- three players, two crew members, and one journalist -- survived the crash.

Officials didn't specify what happened to the plane but did say that the wounded were being transported to assistance centers.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and their families.