CHILCA, PERU – A lightning strike during a local league football match in central Peru turned tragic on Sunday, November 3, 2024 killing one player and injuring four others.
The incident occurred at Coto Coto stadium in Chilca, a town located approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Lima.
Footage from the game showed players leaving the field as a storm interrupted the match between Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca.
Seconds later, lightning struck, with several players seen collapsing on the field.
Local TV station Onda Deportiva Huancavelica broadcasted the harrowing footage, showing a spark and a small cloud of smoke near one of the players.
The player who lost his life was identified as Hugo De La Cruz, a 39-year-old defender, struck during the 22nd minute of the game.
In a statement, the local municipality expressed deep condolences, 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, unfortunately lost his life while being taken to the hospital.”
Two players were discharged from the hospital by Monday evening, while two others remain under medical observation.
According to state news agency Andina, a goalkeeper injured in the strike was initially in critical condition but has shown signs of improvement.
The regional government in Junín has not yet commented on the incident.
Lightning strikes are rare, with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating the chance of being struck at less than one in a million.
While nearly 90% of lightning strike victims survive, the effects can be severe, including burns, seizures, and memory loss.
This tragedy echoes a similar incident in 2020, when a 16-year-old Russian goalkeeper survived a lightning strike during practice.
The teen, who suffered severe burns and was placed in an induced coma, ultimately recovered.
In the aftermath of this incident, communities in Chilca are mourning the loss of De La Cruz and praying for the recovery of the injured players.
