A footballer has died in horrifying circumstances after being struck by lightning while playing a match, according to Telegraph.
The 34-year-old victim was rushed to hospital after the huge blast but was declared dead soon after, according to local media in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.
Gruesome CCTV footage from Silliwangi stadium shows victim Septian Raharja on the right wing in pouring rain 15 minutes after kick-off on February 10.
As his team starts to attack, a giant lightning bolt hits him and he falls to the pitch in a flash of fire. Other players rushed to help the stricken striker.
Septian is said to have suffered burns on his legs and skin, and chest injuries and his football strip and boots caught fire in the intense heat.
He had been playing an away match for FBI Subang against 2 FLO FC Bandung.
One 2 FLO FC Bandung player, named only as GJ in local media, said lightning from a monsoon thunderstorm first hit an earthing rod.
He explained: “Once the lightning struck the rod, the second time it hit the victim’s leg.
“From there, there started to be lots of lightning. The victim fell.”
GJ said the match would never have started if it had been raining at kick-off as thunderstorms are so dangerous in the rainy season.
He explained: “It was hot at the start of the game, but it was already raining in the south and east. It was still hot on the field. That’s why we dared to play.”