Soccer player killed by lightning strike during match in Peru

A lightning strike during a local soccer match in central Peru tragically claimed the life of one player and injured four others on Sunday. The incident occurred at Coto Coto Stadium in Chilca, a town located approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Lima, during a match between the local teams Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca.

According to footage from the game, the match had been temporarily halted due to a storm, and players were seen walking off the pitch when disaster struck. Suddenly, several players collapsed to the ground after a lightning bolt hit the field. A brief flash and a small cloud of smoke were visible near one of the players, as shown in a broadcast by the local TV station Onda Deportiva Huancavelica.

The moment of impact was terrifying, with players visibly struggling to rise from the ground in the aftermath. Tragically, one of the players, Hugo De La Cruz, a 39-year-old defender, was fatally struck by the lightning. Authorities and state media confirmed his death, which occurred in the 22nd minute of the match.

In a statement issued by the local municipality, officials expressed their condolences: “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,” the statement read. “We also express our support and wishes for a speedy recovery to the other four players injured in this tragic accident.”

As of Monday evening, two of the injured players had been discharged from the hospital, while the remaining two were still under observation. One player, a goalkeeper, was reported to be in critical condition but had shown signs of improvement, according to the state news agency Andina.

The regional government of Junín, where the incident took place, has yet to comment on the tragedy. CNN reached out for further information but had not received a response at the time of writing.

Lightning strikes, though rare, can cause serious injuries and, in some cases, fatalities. The odds of being struck by lightning are less than one in a million, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, the effects of a lightning strike can be devastating. While nearly 90% of those struck survive, they often suffer long-term health consequences, including severe burns, neurological damage, and other complications like seizures and memory loss.

In rare instances, survivors face long periods of recovery. One notable example occurred in 2020, when a 16-year-old Russian goalkeeper was struck by lightning during a training session. As he prepared to kick a ball into the goal, a bolt of lightning hit him, sending him to the ground. His teammates, who were training nearby, were unharmed. Although the teenager suffered severe burns and was placed in an induced coma, he eventually made an extraordinary recovery.

The tragic incident in Peru has prompted widespread mourning and reflection on the risks posed by lightning during outdoor sports events. Lightning can strike without warning, and experts recommend that athletes and officials take precautions when severe weather conditions are present. While there are no universal guidelines for suspending matches due to lightning, many sports organizations emphasize the importance of erring on the side of caution when storms are in the vicinity.

This tragedy also serves as a reminder of the potential dangers athletes face when playing outdoors, particularly in regions prone to sudden storms. In Peru, where storms can develop rapidly, this incident underscores the need for enhanced safety protocols and immediate action when inclement weather is a concern.

As the community processes the loss of Hugo De La Cruz, local authorities have pledged to continue investigating the incident. They also reiterated their commitment to supporting the families of the victims, offering condolences and assistance as needed. For now, the tragedy serves as a somber reminder of how quickly life can change in the face of natural forces, and the lasting impact it has on families, teammates, and entire communities.