Peruvian Soccer Player Struck By Lightning During Game

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Peruvian Soccer Player Struck By Lightning During Game

A Peruvian soccer play was struck by lightning on the pitch during a match and somehow survived.

So, this is pretty nuts. Joao Contreras, a Peruvian soccer player for Sport Aguila, was struck by lightning  moments before the start of the second half against Fuerza Minera in the second leg of the Copa Peru. The video is pretty scary and confusing, but after the strike, you can see a plume of smoke in the upper left quadrant of the video and then you can see Contreras, motionless on the ground as it dissipates.

Here's a news report with some more information and images.

While initial reports were that Contreras died, he actually survived the strike, was taken to the hospital, and treated for burns on his legs. He is now in stable condition. A linesman and one other unidentified man were also treated for injuries from the strike. The match was obviously suspended at 1-1.