Lightning has killed a 34-year-old player and injured five others during a football match in Peru.
Sunday’s game between Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca in Huancayo province, about 70km southeast of Lima, was halted when lightning first struck, but a second bolt hit players as they began leaving the field. Video footage shows eight of the players collapsing after a loud crack.
The local municipality said that Hugo de la Cruz, a defender for Familia Chocca, died on the way to hospital.
“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 players were discharged from hospital on Monday, with two others under observation and another in critical condition but showing improvement. The US Centers for Disease Control says around 90% of people hit by lightning survive although they can be left with severe burns and memory loss.
Though lightning has struck football matches in Peru before, causing injuries, the weekend incident was the first known fatality from the phenomenon there. Globally, however, lightning has killed players before. In 2018, South African midfielder Luyanda Ntshangase of top-flight side Maritzburg United died after being struck by lightning during a friendly.