Peruvian soccer player Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza has lost his life following an incident in which he was struck by lightning during a soccer game in his home country.
The 39-year-old was killed during a tournament in Chilca, Huancayo, Peru, with teams Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca vacating the field.
The game was stopped because of an approaching storm, but lightning struck while the players were making their exits, instantly killing Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza and injuring other players.
The video below shows the player getting struck by a lightning bolt and bursting into flames for a brief moment before falling to the ground as everyone else around him goes down.
Warning: The clip shown below is of a graphic nature. Do proceed with caution.
The other players were treated for severe burns.
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Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza’s Unfortunate End Could Spark Change
The horrific incident involving Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza has prompted discussions over improved safety protocols for outdoor activities, especially in Peru, where the weather can change instantly.
There are now calls for better weather monitoring ahead of such events and for the introduction of technology to predict sudden atmospheric changes.
It is also hoped that participants and organizers will be properly briefed on the dangers of lightning and what to do during a storm.
Although getting struck by lightning is rare, it has happened during sporting events in the past, and Jose is hardly the first athlete to suffer such a fate.
TPS extends condolences to his family, friends, loved ones, and teammates who have been affected by this unfortunate tragedy.
