A Peruvian soccer player, defender José Hugo de la Cruz Mezadied on Sunday after being struck by lightning during a fight that also caused at least one injury, local media reported. In addition to the deceased defender, goalkeeper Juan Choca is in serious condition with severe burns. The health status of the other players who were struck by lightning is unknown.
The event took place around 4:00 pm (9:00 pm GMT) at the Coto Coto stadium, in Chicha, located in the department of Huancayo, where two local teams were playing under the storm: Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca. A video shows the exact moment lightning struck several footballers who simultaneously disappeared into the grass.
The lightning struck seconds after the game was suspended due to the storm and as the players were leaving the field. Local media reported that the injured were immediately transferred to the Carrión hospital in Huancayo, where doctors pronounced Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza dead on arrival.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
