Lightning Sambaran Kills Players During Football Matches In Peru

A lightning strike incident in a local football match in Peru (Screenshot).

JAKARTA - Lightning strike killed a 34-year-old footballer, Hugo de la Cruz, and injured four others during a football match in Peru on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

The local tournament match between Juventud Bellavista vs Familia Chocca in Huankayo Province, about 70 kilometers southeast of the capital city of Lima, was halted after the first lightning strike.

Video footage shows eight players fainting after a second lightning strike as players start leaving the pitch.

The local government said Hugo de la Cruz, defender Familia Chocca, died on his way to the hospital.

"We also share solidarity and extend our sincere condolences to the family of Hugo de la Cruz who was struck by lightning, died when he was taken to the hospital," the local government said in an official statement.

"We also express support and hope that the other four players who were injured in this tragic accident will recover soon," the statement continued.

Two players were discharged from the hospital on Monday, November 4, 2024. While others are still under surveillance, one of them is in critical condition, but is showing improvement.

The United States Centers for Disease Control said about 90 percent of the people who were struck by lightning survived although they could suffer severe burns and memory loss.

Meanwhile, although lightning had snatched a football match in Peru before, which caused injury, the weekend incident was the first known death from a lightning strike.

However, globally, lightning has killed several footballers before.

In 2018, South African midfielder Luyanda Ntshangase, from top club Maritzburg United died after being struck by lightning during a friendly.