Watch: Peruvian Soccer Player Killed by Lightning in Mid-Match Tragedy

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A lightning strike during a local soccer match in Peru claimed the life of one player and injured four others on Sunday. The unexpected incident occurred at the Coto Coto stadium in Chilca, a town roughly 70 kilometers southeast of Lima, where a storm forced a pause in play. Disturbing footage captured the moment players were walking off the field when lightning struck, sending several of them collapsing to the ground.

CRAZY: Lightning killed a football player during a match in Peru and injured five others, they are in hospital with serious burns

What a crazy and a random thing. Insane. pic.twitter.com/aRZsRCaEJo

— First Source Report (@FirstSourceNew) November 4, 2024

 

Video aired by local station Onda Deportiva Huancavelica showed players falling face-first as lightning struck the pitch. A small flash and a wisp of smoke appeared near one player, intensifying the horror of the scene. As the moments passed, a few players managed to get back on their feet, though visibly shaken. 

 

Hugo De La Cruz, a 39-year-old defender, was later identified by authorities as the deceased. The fatal strike hit just 22 minutes into the game, which was being played between two local teams, Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca. In a statement released by the local municipality, officials expressed their condolences, saying, “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. We also express our support and wishes for a speedy recovery to the other four players injured in this tragic accident.”

 

Two of the injured players were released from the hospital by Monday evening, while the remaining two remain under observation, as reported by the state news agency Andina. Among those still hospitalized is a goalkeeper who was in critical condition but has since shown signs of improvement. The department of Junín’s regional government has yet to comment on the incident, and additional information is still being sought.

 

The probability of being struck by lightning is exceedingly low—less than one in a million, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although nearly 90% of lightning strike victims survive, many endure long-lasting injuries, including severe burns, memory loss, and neurological issues. Survivors frequently suffer from debilitating physical and psychological symptoms, such as seizures and cognitive challenges.

 

This tragedy in Peru is not the first time lightning has struck a soccer player during play. In 2020, a 16-year-old Russian goalkeeper survived a lightning strike during practice. Shocking footage from the incident showed the young athlete being hit as he approached the goal. Although he sustained severe burns and was placed in an induced coma, he made a remarkable recovery just weeks later.

 

Based on a report by CNN 2024-11-06

 

 

 

[Tug]

That sucks poor guy

[thesetat2013]

When fate says its your time to go... nothing you can do about it.. the shock from the bolt stretch out over 20 feet on the field.. something to remember when there is an electrical storm here. 

[Asquith Production]

RIP.  I doubt he would have known anything just like flicking a switch and he as gone