Brazilian diocese holds Mass for Colombia plane crash

(Vatican Radio)  The Diocese of Chapecó in Brazil offered assurances of  "prayer and solidarity" to the victims and relatives of the plane crash that killed at least 75 people early Tuesday morning in the city of La Unión, near Medellín, Colombia.

The charter plane was carrying the Brazilian soccer team Chapecoense to play the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana, the most important cup final of in the history of the small team.  A Mass for the victims was scheduled to be celebrated at the Cathedral of Chapecó on Tuesday afternoon.

Listen to James Blears' report:

The pilot of the charter plane carrying Chapcoenese Real soccer team reported electrical faults as it approached Medellin and it crashed in a mountain range. 

Rescue teams which are still searching the steep debris strewn remote terrain, which is almost three and a half thousand above sea level, initially reported five survivors, but another one has been found alive, which prompts hope of more. Two of the survivors has since died.

The Club had only reached Brazil's first division two years ago.

This final of the Copa Sud Amarica, against Atletico Nacional of Medellin was the biggest of its entire history, but now this incredible achievement has transformed into utter tragedy.

The Federation has suspended all activity. Meanwhile Brazil's President Michel Temer has declared three days of national mourning.

An investigation is underway as to why this aircraft suffered electrical failures and fell out of the sky.