Football in Huancayo, Peru, dresses in mourning after the tragic death of José Hugo de la Cruz Meza, defender of the Juventud Bellavista club, who died on Sunday after being struck by lightning during a match at the Coto Coto stadium, in the district of Chilca.
The match, corresponding to a regional tournament between Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca, was played under adverse weather conditions, with a thunderstorm developing. Despite the risk, the match continued until the referee decided to suspend it due to the growing storm. As the players were leaving, lightning struck the field, causing panic and leaving several injured.
Goalkeeper Juan Choca suffered serious burns and was rushed to the Carrión Hospital in Huancayo, where he remains in critical condition. Other players were also affected by the discharge and are under medical observation.
Witnesses described scenes of terror in the stadium, “It was a terrifying moment; “The lightning struck suddenly and several players fell to the ground,” said a spectator who was in the stadium.
This tragic incident has brought into debate the need to reinforce safety protocols at outdoor sporting events, especially during thunderstorms.
The football community of Huancayo and the entire country express their condolences for the death of De la Cruz Meza and hope for the recovery of the injured.