Footballer struck by lightning and KILLED during amateur match in Indonesia

A footballer has been tragically killed after being struck by lightning during a football match in Indonesia on Saturday.

The 35-year-old victim from Subang – later revealed to be Septian Raharja – collapsed on the pitch after the strike and was rushed to Sariningsih Hospital.

According to local reports, the man was still breathing in the initial aftermath but was sadly pronounced dead later in hospital.

The incident occurred during the first half of a friendly match between 2 FLO FC Bandung and FBI Subang at Siliwangi Stadium in Bandung, West Java.

Eyewitnesses reported that there was an initial lightning strike outside the stadium before the second one hit the pitch.

Raharja, a husband and father of two, was the only player to be hit by the strike, which was caught on video.

He suffered severe burns to his chest and thighs before being escorted off the pitch by other players to receive medical attention.

The tragic incident represents the second time an Indonesian player has been struck by lightning in the past year.

In 2023, a young footballer suffered a cardiac arrest after they were struck during the Soeratin U-13 Cup in Bojonegoro, East Java.

Fortunately, they were revived having been rushed to the Ibnu Sina Hospital in Bojonegoro.

Only two months ago in December 2023, a 21-year-old was killed and six more injured after a lighting bolt stuck a football match in Brazil.

Caio Henrique de Lima Goncalves was playing for local team Uniao Jaiirense at the Jose Eleuterio da Silva stadium in Santo Antonio da Platina.

The man was rushed to hospital but sadly died soon after due to his injuries.