Chapecoense plane ran out of fuel

“Total failure, total electrical failure, without fuel”, Bolivian pilot Miguel Quiroga was chillingly heard telling the control tower at Medellin’s airport on crackly audio played by Colombian media as he requested urgent permission to land.

Only six people of the 77 on board survived the devastating crash in La Union town, outside of the north-eastern city of Medellin. Fans instead gathered to pay tribute.

The Atletico Nacional players were on hand wearing black uniforms and each carrying a bouquet of flowers.

Brazil’s air force has a Hercules cargo plane waiting in Medellin to return the bodies of the victims, which include most of Brazil’s Chapecoense soccer team.

Both stadiums were packed to capacity.

The pilot and can be heard warning of a “total electric failure” and “lack of fuel”.

Before it slammed into a mountainside, the pilot was flying at an altitude at 9,000 feet.

Announcing the crash on Monday night, the aviation authority said the plane had reported electrical problems. “That reinforces the theory of the lack of fuel”. But he added that the agency was investigating whether the plane, which was operated by a Bolivian charter company called LaMia, did run out of fuel.

Led by manager Luiz Carlos Saroli, who died in the crash, Chapecoense had become a bona fide contender and was travelling to Medellin, aiming to claim the Sudamericana title for Brazil.

Two Chapecoense players did not travel with the team due to injuries, while the coach’s son did not travel because he lost his passport, a club spokesperson told ABC News.

An injured journalist also remained in critical condition, the club said.

Secretary for the Air Safety Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics Freddy Bonilla said: “We can clearly state that the aircraft had no fuel at the time of impact, so we started an investigation process to establish the cause”.

“I put the bag between my legs and went into the foetal position as recommended”.

What has the reaction been?

Also on Thursday, the president of Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro said the team would not play its final-round match of the Brazilian league season against Chapecoense.

Authorities are expecting that all 71 bodies will be identified by midnight tonight. He said also said the city had no role.

A number of footballers in Brazil and other countries have said they will play their next games in Chapecoense jerseys.

Chapecoense had risen from obscurity to make it to the Copa Sudamericana finals scheduled for Wednesday against Atletico Nacional of Colombia.

Many of football’s most famous names, from Lionel Messi to Pele, have offered condolences.