José Hugo de la Cruz Meza, aged 39, died after being struck by lightning during a match taking place in Huancayo, Peru. Other athletes were injured.
The athletes were leaving the field when Meza was struck by lightning. At least seven other players can be seen on video being thrown to the ground at the same time. Some lose their balance, but continue walking as they disappear from the image.
The referee of Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca chose to stop the duel due to the strong storm, but the athlete was hit as he left the field. The game was part of a regional tournament in the Chilca district, in Huancayo.
Among those affected, only Meza died. According to information from different outlets, goalkeeper Juan Chocca Llacta, 40, was seriously injured and rushed to hospital. Three other young people are “stable”, under medical care.
