Soccer player killed by lightning strike during match, others injured

One person was killed, and four others were injured by a lightning strike that occurred during a soccer game in Peru.

Footage shared to social media showed several players falling face first to the ground after a visible bolt struck the field. A brief spark and a small cloud of smoke were seen near one of the players.

Local officials later identified the field as the Coto Coto stadium in the town of Chilca, which is located about a mile southeast of the South American country's capital city of Lima.

The deceased player was identified as defender Hugo De La Cruz, 39. The strike occurred in the 22nd minute of the match between local teams Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca.

"We join in solidarity and extend 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 the hospital," the local municipality said in a statement .

"We also express our support and wishes for a speedy recovery to the other four players injured in this tragic accident."

As of Monday evening, two players had been discharged from the hospital, while two remain under observation, Peru's government run news agency Andina reported.

A goalkeeper injured in the incident was in critical condition but had shown improvement, the agency said.

Death by lightning strike is incredibly rare with the chances of being struck less than one in a million, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Almost 90% of all lightning strike victims survive, according to the CDC, but the effects can be serious and long-lasting.

Debilitating injuries, burns, seizures and memory loss are among the symptoms.