A devastating lightning strike during a local league soccer match in Chilca, Peru, claimed the life of 39-year-old defender Hugo De La Cruz and injured four other players on Sunday.
The incident occurred in the 22nd minute of a match between Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca at Coto Coto stadium, about 70 kilometres southeast of Lima.
Footage captured by local broadcaster Onda Deportiva Huancavelica showed players leaving the field as a storm approached, only to be struck moments later. Several players were seen falling face-first to the ground as lightning struck the pitch, briefly sparking and sending up a small cloud of smoke.
The local municipality extended heartfelt condolences to De La Cruz’s family and expressed support for the injured players, adding, “We join in solidarity and extend our sincere condolences to the family of young Hugo De La Cruz, who, after being struck by lightning, unfortunately lost his life while being taken to the hospital.”
As of Monday evening, two players had been released from the hospital, while two others remain under observation. A goalkeeper injured in the strike is in critical but improving condition, according to state news agency Andina.
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