Brazil's Temer thanks Colombia for support after plane crash

Brazilian President Michel Temer on Friday thanked his Colombian counterpart for the country's generous support after a plane crash that killed almost the entire soccer team of Chapecoense and 20 reporters.

In his message to Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, Temer expressed gratitude for the demonstration of solidarity and professionalism by the Colombian government and the society in rescuing the victims of the accident.

"From the ceremony in the Atanasio Girardot stadium to the personal messages we received from regular citizens, we will forever keep in our memories the countless expressions of the grandeur and generosity of the people of Colombia," Temer said.

Colombia "offers us an unforgettable lesson of humanity ... the survivors and the families of the victim, its people unconditionally joins us in our pain," he added.

The crash of the Lamia Flight 2933 occurred on Monday night, killing 71 people, including 19 Chapecoense players, most of the club's training staff and a number of journalists and guests.

The tragedy took place when the flight carried the Chapecoense soccer team to face local team Atletico Nacional for the first leg of the final of the Copa Sudamericana, which was scheduled to occur on Wednesday in Medellin, Colombia.

Atletico Nacional organized a homage to the Chapecoense athletes in its own stadium in the scheduled time of the match.

The bodies of the Brazilian victims - the Chapecoense delegation and 20 reporters traveling to cover the match - are being transported to Brazil. Endi