A plane carrying 10 people that disappeared four days ago in Chile’s frigid southern forests was found with nine survivors who stayed alive by huddling for warmth, sharing food and sheltering in the wreckage.

A MAJOR earthquake struck northern Chile last night, toppling power lines, closing roads and sending terrified residents into the streets.

The death of Gen Augusto Pinochet sparked champagne-soaked celebrations, skirmishes with police and displays of lasting devotion as Chileans took an anguished look back at the dictator's 17-year rule.

Former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet will be cremated, according to his son Marco Antonio, to avoid desecration of his grave by “people who always hated him".