Football player killed as lightning strikes ground during match, four people injured; video

LIMA: In a shocking incident, a football player was killed after being struck by lightning during a local football match. Four of his teammates were also injured in the incident. The incident took place at a stadium in Chilca, Peru on Sunday. The video of the incident is circulating on social media.

The deceased has been identified as Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza (39), a defender. The fatal strike occurred after the referee halted play, as rumbling thunder grew louder and storm clouds gathered ominously over the field. Moments after the order to pause, Jose, collapsed face-first on the ground, struck by a bolt that tragically ended his life. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.

Lightning strikes soccer match in #Peru

Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza, was killed instantly, and 5 players were injured during a regional tournament.
Goalkeeper Juan Chocca Llacta, 40, also received a direct strike and was rushed to hospital in a taxi with serious burns to his body. pic.twitter.com/KtKr58UmJh

— Unfiltered Human Race 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@UnfilteredRace) November 4, 2024

Goalkeeper Juan Chocca Llacta (40) also took a direct hit and sustained severe burns. With no ambulances on site, he was transported to the hospital in a taxi. According to reports, he remains in critical condition. Additionally, three other players sustained injuries and are reportedly in stable condition.

The teams, Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca, had barely played 22 minutes when the lightning struck, with Juventud Bellavista leading 2-0. The match was subsequently abandoned.