A tragic incident occurred during a football match in Peru, resulting in the death of 39-year-old Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza and injuries to several other players. The match between Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca was interrupted by a storm, and as players were leaving the pitch, lightning struck, leading to the unfortunate death of De La Cruz Meza. Goalkeeper Juan Chocca Llacta suffered serious burns from a direct lightning strike and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Additionally, two teenagers and a 24-year-old player were also hospitalized but are in stable condition.
The incident has sparked discussions about safety measures at football grounds, especially in high-altitude areas like the Huancaya region where the stadium is located. Calls for increased lightning rods at stadiums and the establishment of safety protocols during storms have been made to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Lucho Duarte, an engineer who shared footage of the incident, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of players and spectators during outdoor events.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time such a tragedy has occurred in the world of football. Similar incidents have been reported in other countries, including Indonesia and Brazil, where players lost their lives due to lightning strikes during matches. These incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of implementing adequate safety measures to protect athletes and prevent avoidable accidents on the field.
