Tragedy struck in Peru when a match between Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca turned fatal after lightning struck and killed 34-year-old defender Hugo de la Cruz, authorities have confirmed.

The match took place in the city of Chilca in the province of Huancayo, which is high in the Peruvian Andes and about 70 km southeast of the capital Lima. While lightning and storms are common in the mountains of South America, a casualty during a soccer match is a massive tragedy.

Video of the event shows the Coto Coto stadium in Chilca being struck by lightning, with eight players hitting the floor. Play had been stopped after the initial kicks, with players walking off the field, but repeated lightning caused the unfortunate incident.

Along with defender Chocca de la Cruz, four other players were injured, de la Cruz reportedly succumbed to his injuries and died on the way to hospital. A rough estimate is that 90% of people struck by lightning survive the encounter, according to studies by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

“I felt a flash of light…”

The Huancayo authorities released a statement on the matter, sadly confirming that de la Cruz had left his life after the horrific incident. “We stand in solidarity and send our sincere condolences to the family of young Hugo De La Cruz who, after being struck by lightning, unfortunately lost his life while being taken to hospital,” a statement said .

“We also extend our support and wishes for a speedy recovery to the other four players injured in this tragic accident,” he continued. Local news agency Andina confirmed that two of the four players have since been released from hospital, but two remain under care, including goalkeeper Juan Chocca, who was said to be in a critical condition but thankfully showing signs of recovery .

“We were just walking out with Hugo hugging each other. We took three steps after letting him go and lightning hit us,” Chocca told local news outlet La Republica after the incident. “I felt a flash of light; I felt it go to my head and my mind went white.”