In brief
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the perils of playing outdoor sports amid severe weather conditions, with authorities urging heightened awareness during storms.
In a heartbreaking incident during a regional soccer tournament, a player named José Hugo De la Cruz Meza lost his life after being struck by lightning in Huancayo, Peru. Local sources report that the event unfolded during a match between two community teams, C.D. Juventud Bellavista and U.D. Familia Chocca. As storm conditions worsened, officials paused the game, but as players attempted to exit the field, tragedy struck. Witnesses shared detai ls of the event, with a video capturing the moment of impact, reflecting the instantaneous danger present during thunderstorms. The footage shows a flash of light, followed by players collapsing. In addition to José Hugo De la Cruz Meza's death, four other players sustained injuries but have since been discharged from medical care. Juan Chocca, the brother-in-law of the deceased, shared his close encounter, recalling, “I was just walking out with Hugo hugging each other… the lightning struck us.” This deadly incident emphasizes the need for increased safety measures and awareness among athletes and sports organizations regarding the risks involved with playing in inclement weather.
