LIMA, Peru — In a tragic event, a lightning strike during an amateur soccer game in the Andean city of Chilca resulted in the death of a player and injuries to seven others.
Local officials confirmed that 39-year-old José De la Cruz was fatally struck by lightning while participating in a match between his team, Familia Chocca, and Juventud Bellavista.
The incident occurred in Chilca, a city with a population nearing 100,000, located approximately 310 kilometers (193 miles) from Lima, the capital of Peru.
A live broadcast by Onda Deportiva displayed the referee pausing the game when lightning struck close to the field. As the athletes were evacuating the area, another lightning bolt struck De la Cruz, leading to his death and causing injuries to seven additional players as they collapsed on the ground amidst the chaos.
The injured players were transported to a hospital in Huancayo, which serves as the capital for the Junín region.
This unfortunate incident highlights the dangers of playing outdoor sports during inclement weather conditions, raising discussions about safety protocols for both players and organizers at sporting events.
Authorities are likely to investigate the circumstances surrounding the match and whether proper precautions were followed.