A tragic incident unfolded during a local football match in Peru on Sunday, November 3rd, as lightning struck the field, claiming the life of a 39-year-old player, Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza.
The devastating event occurred at the Coto Coto stadium in Chilca, Huancayo, during a match between Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca. The game was halted due to inclement weather, and as players began to leave the field, a powerful bolt of lightning struck, tragically killing de la Cruz Meza and injuring several others, including goalkeeper Juan Chocca Llacta who suffered serious burns.
Local authorities believe that a metal bracelet worn by de la Cruz Meza may have attracted the lightning strike. “It was like a magnet,” said Cesar Ramos, head of civil defense for the region.
The incident has sparked widespread concern over player safety, particularly in regions prone to lightning strikes. Engineer Lucho Duarte, who captured the event on video, urged for stricter safety protocols, such as postponing games during storms and installing lightning rod systems at stadiums.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of playing sports during severe weather conditions. As the football community mourns the loss of de la Cruz Meza, it is imperative to take steps to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Check out the video below:
https://twitter.com/s_r_khandelwal/status/1853451953155580228
