Wreckage of Chilean plane that crashed 54 years ago found in Andes
Chilean mountaineers have found the wreckage of a plane that crashed in the Andes 54 years ago.
According to the BBC, 24 people died when the aircraft disappeared in 1961 - among them eight players for what was then one of Chile's top football teams.
The group discovered the wreckage at an altitude of about 3,200m (10,500ft) about 215 miles south of the capital, Santiago.
The exact site is reportedly being kept secret to prevent looting.
The Douglas DC-3 went missing on 3 April 1961. It was carrying some members of the top-division football team Green Cross, who were returning to Santiago after playing an away match in Osorno.
The team and staff were spread over two flights, with one reaching Santiago, and the other one disappearing.
The Independent reports that rescue teams spent weeks searching for the plane but never found it, and symbolic funerals were held for the missing players.
Upon finding the wreckage, mountaineers could reportedly see part of the fuselage, as well as debris and human bones.
According to the Guardian, expedition member Leonardo Albornoz said: "It was a breathtaking moment and we felt all kinds of sensations. One could feel the energy of the place and breathe the pain."
Related articles
Fishing trawler finds plane wreck with body inside sea
TransAsia plane crash pilots found 'still holding controls'
Plane wreckage found on mountain in Mojave Desert
