Footballer struck by lightning out of nowhere on pitch has tragically died
Warning: This article contains graphic images and video which some readers may find distressing.
A footballer has tragically died after being struck by lightning during a game in Indonesia on Saturday.
A chilling video captured the moment that 35-year-old Septain Raharja collapsed at Siliwangi Stadium in Bandung, West Java.
Raharja, from Subang, Java, was playing for Football Boots Indonesia (FBI) Subang against 2 FLO FC Bandung in a friendly match.
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During the second half, a bolt of lightning tragically struck Raharja, leaving him severely injured.
Reports from local media PRFM News state that he was still breathing following the incident and was rushed to hospital, but he sadly died after suffering from intense burns.
The terrifying clip has been shared on social media, causing fans and players to share their sadness and offer their condolences.
"Wow. RIP. Horrific stuff, his poor family." Said one X user.
Another user shared: "That's awful and condolences.
"In my referee days I always kept an eye on the weather, it's in the FIFA manual I believe. For exactly this reason.
"Don't know if that was possible here or if there was a ref. This video will make it's way to FIFA and ref associations everywhere."
Opponents 2FLO FC Bandung posted a message on Instagram to offer their condolences towards the player's family.
Several local teams also observed a minute's silence the following day.
This is not the first time an Indonesian footballer has been struck by lightning in the past year, though.
A young budding footballer in Bojonegoro, East Java was struck by lightning while competing at the Soeratin U-13 Cup in 2023.
The player suffered a cardiac arrest, and was rushed off the field before being taken to Ibnu Sina Hospital in Bojonegoro for medical treatment.
Thankfully, the youngster successfully recovered after medical assistance, regaining consciousness within 20 minutes.
There was also a similar occurrence in Brazil within the past year, as a 21-year-old Brazilian football was struck by lightning on the pitch.
Playing for his Uniao Jaiirense team in a cup fixture in the southern state of Parana in 2023, Caio Henrique de Lima Goncalves was hit by a lightning strike.
Goncalves was rushed to hospital after collapsing on the pitch, but sadly died of his injuries.
In the same game, six other players were also struck by a bolt of lightning, though all survived after spending time in hospital to recover.
Joshua Nair