Lightning Strike Kills Player, Injures Others in Peru

A tragic incident occurred during a soccer match in Chilca, Peru, when a lightning strike killed 39-year-old defender Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza and injured several others, including goalkeeper Juan Chocca Llacta, who suffered severe burns. The match between Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca was suspended due to storm warnings, and players were leaving the field when the lightning struck, allegedly hitting De La Cruz Meza because he was wearing a metal bracelet. Two teenagers and a 24-year-old man were also injured but were reported to be in stable condition. This incident, captured on live television, has prompted calls for enhanced safety measures, such as lightning rods and suspension protocols during storms, especially in high-altitude regions like Huancayo. The incident is a reminder of the dangers posed by lightning during open-air events and the need for protective systems in sports installations.