A tragic lightning strike claimed the life of a 34-year-old soccer player and injured four others during a local match in Peru’s Huancayo province on Sunday. The incident occurred in the Peruvian Andes as teams Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca faced off in a tournament game.

The match was initially paused after a first lightning strike, but as players began to leave the field, a second bolt struck, resulting in chaos. Video footage captured the terrifying moment, showing eight players collapsing after a deafening crack. José de la Cruz, a defender for Familia Chocca, was severely injured and died en route to the hospital.

The local municipality issued a statement expressing condolences to de la Cruz’s family, offering support to those affected by the tragic incident. “We join in solidarity and extend our sincere condolences to the family,” the statement read.

While lightning strikes at sports events in Peru have previously led to injuries, this is reportedly the first known fatality in the country from such an incident. Unfortunately, fatal lightning strikes on athletes have occurred in other parts of the world. In 2018, South African soccer player Luyanda Ntshangase, who played for Maritzburg United, was struck by lightning during a friendly match and later succumbed to his injuries.

The recent tragedy in Peru underscores the unpredictable dangers posed by lightning, particularly in mountainous regions. It serves as a somber reminder of the need for safety measures in outdoor sports, especially in areas prone to severe weather.