Graphic content warning: This article contains depictions of injury that some readers may find distressing or shocking. Reader discretion is advised.
A lightning strike claimed the life of a footballer in the middle of a friendly match.
The man, 35-year-old Septian Raharja from the Football Boots Indonesia Subang team, was playing in the second half of the game at the time, at Siliwangi Stadium in Bandung, Indonesia on Feb. 10.
Video of the incident posted online showed players passing the ball and making their way upfield when a lightning bolt hit Raharja.
GIF via video on X.
According to Indonesian newspaper Kompas, Raharja was taken to hospital unconscious, with burn injuries all over his body, before later being pronounced dead.
Match started under clear skies
According to a police spokesperson, there had initially been clear weather at the stadium.
However, in the second half of the match, there was a sudden change in the weather.
Football Boots Indonesia Subang had been playing against a team from the 2flo Football Club. The latter club expressed their condolences in an Instagram post on Feb. 11.
Sports clubs and other football organisations also paid tribute to the fallen player, with teams observing a moment of silence before a Feb. 11 match kicked off.
Top photo via X and @sema.indonesia on Instagram