Lightning strike kills footballer during live TV match in Peru

A powerful lightning strike during rain killed one footballer and critically injured several others during a local league match in Peru. A horrifying video of the incident went viral on social media.

The unfortunate event was captured live on TV, showing the athletes returning to their pavilions amid the storm when the lightning struck, causing several players to fall to the ground.

The incident occurred in the 22nd minute of the match, leaving injured players struggling to stand. Hugo De La Cruz, a 39-year-old defender, was pronounced dead while en route to the hospital.

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⚽️🌩 Impacto de rayo en partido de fútbol deja un muerto y varios heridos

Un jugador falleció y varios resultaron heridos en el estadio Coto Coto, en Chilca, Perú, durante un partido de fútbol entre C.D. Juventud Bellavista y U.D. Familia Chocca. El trágico incidente se produjo… pic.twitter.com/DBDLZzXfwV

— Sepa Más (@Sepa_mass) November 4, 2024

The local municipality lamented the incident in a statement, 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, tragically lost his life while being taken to the hospital. We also express our support and wish for a speedy recovery to the other four players injured in this tragic accident.”

Among the injured, four players, including a goalkeeper, are recovering. Two were discharged, while the other two remained hospitalised for further observation.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the likelihood of being struck by lightning is less than one in a million. 

Although 90% of lightning strike victims can recover, such incidents can sometimes prove fatal.