Player killed by lightning while playing on the field

Player killed in the middle of a match after being struck by lightning. (Source: Reuters)

According to Marca, the tragic accident happened at Coto Coto Stadium, Chicha City, Peru. Lightning struck the field during a match between Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca clubs.

Jose Hugo De la Cruz Meza, a 34-year-old player who was struck directly by lightning, died instantly. Four other players on the field were also injured and were taken to the emergency room. Juan Chocca Llacta, a colleague standing near De la Cruz, is in critical condition.

At the moment of the lightning strike, several other players standing a few meters away also collapsed on the field. However, they got up immediately afterwards and appeared to be uninjured.