A tragic lightning strike during a local league soccer match in central Peru claimed the life of one player and left four others injured on Sunday.
The incident occurred at Coto Coto Stadium in Chilca, roughly 70 kilometers southeast of Lima, during a game between Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca.
Storm Disrupts Match Moments Before Tragedy
TMZ finds that the game had been paused due to an approaching storm, and players were captured on camera walking off the field. In the chilling footage, players can be seen suddenly collapsing as lightning struck the pitch, sparking a brief flash and small plume of smoke around the area where one of the players fell. Seconds later, other players struggled to rise after the unexpected strike.
Loss of Defender Hugo De La Cruz
The player who tragically lost his life has been identified as 39-year-old defender Hugo De La Cruz. The lightning strike struck during the 22nd minute of the match, and De La Cruz succumbed to his injuries while en route to the hospital.
Authorities and local media confirmed the unfortunate passing, and the local municipality issued a statement expressing deep condolences to De La Cruz's family.
"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 on Facebook. "We also express our support and wishes for a speedy recovery to the other four players injured in this tragic accident."
Four Players Injured, Some in Critical Condition
Two of the four players injured in the lightning strike were discharged from the hospital by Monday evening. Two others remain under medical supervision, including a goalkeeper who initially reported in critical condition but has since improved.
The regional government in Junín has yet to comment on the incident, though state news agency Andina continues to provide updates on the players' recovery.
The Dangers of Lightning Strikes on the Field
Lightning strikes, though rare, can have severe and sometimes fatal consequences. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the chances of being struck by lightning are less than one in a million, though 90% of victims survive.
However, survivors can face lasting injuries such as burns, memory loss, and seizures.
According to CNN, there was a similar incident in 2020 when a teenage goalkeeper in Russia survived a lightning strike during a training session. The athlete later made a remarkable recovery despite serious burns and an induced coma.
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