Player killed by lightning strike during football match in Peru

In a horrifying incident, a player was killed by lightning strike during a football match in Peru on Sunday.

According to The Telegraph, the downpour resulted in storm alerts, leading to halting the game at Coto Coto stadium in Chilca. As the players were leaving the field, the footage shows a clap of thunder clearly illuminated the screen, sending multiple players to the ground. At least two players had received direct lightning strike during the incident.

Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza, 39 years-old defender, was confirmed to have died, whereas another player, the goalie and 40 years-old, Juan Chocca Llacta was being rushed to hospital after he suffered from heavy burnings. Moreover, two young teenage boys and one male were also injured but are reportedly at stable condition.

According to authorities, a bracelet De la Cruz Meza was wearing might have been the cause of direct hit. Photos from the accident show scorch marks on the field where players fell. The match immediately was called off, with Juventud Bellavista leading 2-1.

It was not the first time lightning had struck players in this high-altitude region; ten years ago, 21-year-old player Joao Contreras was hospitalized with second-degree burns after a similar incident.