Lightning strike kills football player in Peru
A lightning strike has killed a 34-year-old football player and injured a further five during a football match in Peru. The match between Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca in the province of Huancayo, east of the South American country’s capital, Lima, was halted after lightning first struck. But a second bolt hit players as they were starting to leave the pitch.
The video shows eight of the players collapsing after a loud crack was heard. Defender for Familia Chocca, Hugo de la Cruz died on the way to hospital, according to the local municipality.
“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,” it said in a statement. “We also express our support and wishes for a speedy recovery to the other four players injured in this tragic accident.”
Two other players were discharged from hospital a day later while two others were under observation. Another player was in a critical condition but had been showing signs of improvement.
According to the American Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, around 90% of people struck by lightning survive, though they can be left with serious burns and even memory loss. Lightning had previously struck football matches in Peru and caused injuries. But this is the first time in the country that a fatality was recorded.
Elsewhere, lightning has killed players. In South Africa in 2018, midfielder Luyanda Ntshangase, playing for top-flight side Maritzburg United, died after being struck during a friendly. More shockingly, in 1998 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a strike killed all the players on a team, when Bena Tshadi were drawing 1-1 with visitors Basanga, leading to accusations of witchcraft.
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