Peruvian footballer killed by lightning during match

LIMA – A 39-year-old Peruvian football player died after being struck by lightning during a match on November 3, while four others were injured by the lightning strike.

One of the goalkeepers injured in the incident is being treated for serious burns, while three other players, aged 14, 16 and 24, are in a stable condition in hospital.

The dead player was identified as Hugo De La Cruz, a Juventud Bellavista defender.

The local municipality, in a statement published by CNN, said: “We join in solidarity and express our sincere condolences to the family of young Hugo De La Cruz, who, after being struck by lightning, unfortunately died while being taken to hospital. hospital.

“We also extend our support and speedy recovery wishes to the other four players injured in this tragic accident.”

The game was being played at Coto Coto Stadium in the town of Chilca, about 70 kilometers southeast of the Peruvian capital Lima, and had just been ordered to pause due to the storm, CNN reported.

In video footage of the incident broadcast by local television channel Onda Deportiva Huancavelic, players can be seen walking on the field in the 22nd minute of the match between local teams Juventud Bellavista and Familia Ciocca.

There is a bright flash and a loud sound, and one of the players is engulfed in smoke in what appears to be a small explosion.

At this point, seven other players fall, and players further away run off the screen. After this, some players can be seen struggling to find their feet.

The video then cuts to a spot on the ground where lightning appears to have struck, as well as footage from earlier in the match where thunder can be heard.