A devastating event occurred at Siliwangi Stadium in Bandung on Saturday, 10th February 2024, at 3 PM local time, as a 35-year-old footballer, identified by the initials R and hailing from Subang, West Java, was fatally struck by lightning.
The tragic incident, captured on various Indonesian social media platforms, depicts the moment when lightning struck the player as he was actively engaged in the game on the field.
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As recounted by an eyewitness identified as GJ, as the match entered its third round, the weather unexpectedly shifted from clear skies to cloudy, despite the prior hot weather. Suddenly, a clap of thunder was heard, prompting GJ’s colleague to rush towards the victim.
Initially, the lightning struck the stadium’s lightning rod, causing damage. Shortly thereafter, a second bolt of lightning directly struck the footballer. The lightning targeted the victim’s legs, rendering him unconscious immediately. Prompt first aid was administered, and the medical team promptly summoned an ambulance.
Upon arrival at the hospital, the victim was found to have sustained severe injuries with extensive burns covering his body. The Bandung police swiftly responded to the tragic incident involving the footballer from Subang. As per AKP Nurindah Murdiani, Head of the Bandung Police Public Relations Section, authorities reached the location at 3:45 PM and promptly facilitated the victim’s transfer to the hospital.
In a display of understanding and acceptance, the victim’s family opted not to pursue legal action in light of the unfortunate circumstances. “Our friends may perceive this as a natural calamity, so they promptly contacted the family without lodging a formal complaint,” Indah further elaborated.
