A tragic incident struck a local soccer match in Chilca, central Peru, as a lightning bolt claimed the life of a 39-year-old player and injured four others. The game was taking place at the Coto Coto stadium, located approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Lima, on Sunday when severe weather conditions forced a pause in the match.
Footage broadcasted by local TV station Onda Deportiva Huancavelica showed the players of Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca walking off the pitch as a storm set in. Moments later, a lightning strike hit the field, causing several players to collapse face-first. The impact was followed by a brief spark and a small cloud of smoke near one of the fallen athletes.
Authorities identified the deceased as defender Hugo De La Cruz. He succumbed to his injuries while en route to the hospital. The lightning struck during the 22nd minute of the game, abruptly halting what had begun as a routine local match.
“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,” stated the local municipality. “We also express our support and wishes for a speedy recovery to the other four players injured in this tragic accident.”
As of Monday evening, two of the injured players were discharged from the hospital, while the remaining two remained under observation. A goalkeeper, who was in critical condition initially, was reported to be showing signs of improvement, according to state news agency Andina.
The regional government of Junín has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident. CNN has contacted local officials for additional details.
While lightning strikes are rare, they pose significant risks. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates the chance of being struck by lightning at less than one in a million, with nearly 90% of victims surviving such incidents. However, the aftermath can include severe and long-term effects, such as burns, seizures, and memory loss.
Notably, a similar incident occurred in 2020 when a 16-year-old Russian goalkeeper survived a lightning strike during practice, sustaining severe burns and requiring an induced coma before making a full recovery.
