Tragic Lightning Strike Claims Footballer’s Life in Peru, Injures Five Others
A shocking incident occurred during a regional football match in Peru during the game between local teams Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca. when a lightning strike claimed the life of a player and injured five others on the field.
SHOCKING- Lightning kills player during soccer match in #Peru, local media reports
— Chaudhary Parvez (@ChaudharyParvez) November 4, 2024
One player died and several were injured at the #Coto Coto stadium in #Chilca, Peru.#shocking #Breaking pic.twitter.com/9TcuFs4z02
Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza, 39, was killed instantly after a bolt of lightning struck him as he fell forward onto the pitch. Moments before the incident, the referee had called to halt the match due to rumbling thunder echoing throughout the stadium. Footage captured the tragic moment as De la Cruz collapsed face-first to the ground, unable to react in time.
Goalkeeper Juan Chocca Llacta, 40, was also directly hit by the lightning strike and was rushed to a nearby hospital, suffering from severe burns. The other injured players included two teenagers, aged 16 and 19, and a 24-year-old named Cristian Cesar Pituy Cahuana. All three were reported to be in stable condition following the accident, which occurred during a tournament held in Chilca, a district in Huancayo, Peru.
The match, which was between local teams Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca, was stopped around 4 p.m. local time as storm conditions intensified. Juventud Bellavista was leading 2-0 with only 22 minutes played when the lightning struck.
Following the tragedy, eight players were left lying on the field due to the impact, including the late De la Cruz and goalkeeper Chocca, who suffered the most severe injuries. De la Cruz was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to the hospital.
This devastating incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter safety protocols at sports events, particularly in high-altitude areas like Huancayo, where the city sits over 10,600 feet above sea level.
