Lightning Strike During Soccer Match... Player Hit by Lightning Ultimately Dies

Player Dies from Lightning Strike During Peru Soccer Match
Another Player in Critical Condition from Burns
"Why Did Organizers Continue the Match?" Criticism Raised

During a soccer match held in Peru, lightning struck and players collapsed. [Source=YouTube 'Talk Shows Central']

A football player in Peru died after being struck by lightning during a match. According to foreign media such as Spain's Marca and the UK's Mirror on the 3rd (local time), Jos? Hugo de la Cruz Mesa (39) was struck by lightning and died during a match between Juventud Bellavista and Familia Choca held at the Coto Stadium in Huancayo, Jun?n Region, Peru.

Due to the bad weather, it rained and lightning struck throughout the match. Eventually, the organizers stopped the game to protect the players. As the players were leaving the field and heading to the locker rooms, a sudden strong lightning strike caused a large spark on one side of the field. Eight players collapsed simultaneously, and Jos?, who was directly hit by the lightning, was transported to the hospital but ultimately died. Additionally, four other players were injured; three of them have stabilized, but Juan Choca is in critical condition due to burns.

Marca reported, "This incident showed the law that humans cannot oppose nature with their own power. The accident in Peru proved that humans have no power against nature," and added, "The people of Peru collectively mourned the player who died from the lightning strike." It also mentioned, "Criticism is being raised against the organizers for not protecting the players," and questioned, "It is questionable that the match was held in such weather." The Mirror also reported, "A tragic incident occurred in a football match held in Peru where a player died due to lightning," and stated, "The Peruvian football community expressed condolences to Jos? and his family and wished a speedy recovery to the injured players."

In February, a player was struck by lightning and died during a soccer match in Indonesia. [Source=Tribuna homepage]

Meanwhile, in February, a similar incident occurred where a football player died after being struck by lightning during a match. Septian Raharja (35) of the Indonesian football team Persikas Subang was unexpectedly struck by lightning on the field. He was immediately taken to the hospital but was declared dead due to severe bodily injuries.

On the other hand, there are miraculous cases where players survived lightning strikes. In the 2014 Peru Cup match between Uni?n and Sport held in Peru, Uni?n defender Contreras (then 22 years old) was struck by lightning. He was hit directly by lightning at the start of the second half, and white smoke rose from his body. However, Contreras was taken to the hospital, treated, and safely recovered. At the time, he said, "The moment I was struck by lightning, all the strength left my body and I felt no sensation," and expressed gratitude, "I thank the people who were worried about me."