Women's Soccer Game Ends in Tragedy as 4 Players Killed After Being Struck by Lightning: Reports

Mar. 15, 2025

Digitally generated football pitch under stormy sky.Photo:Getty

Getty

The incident — which also killed a man — occurred as a thunderstorm broke out during a women’s soccer game in the village of El Real, Casas Bajas, in the municipality of Cajibío, Colombia, on Sunday, Feb, 9, local newspaperCauca Hoyand U.K. outletNational Worldreported.

The women were sheltering from the storm under a tree.

“The women were participating in a football tournament when the emergency occurred," government spokesman Lesly Valencia said, per National World. “A lightning bolt struck a tree and that was what caused the death of the four women.”

The victims were identified as Jeidy Daneisy Morales, Daniela Yinet Mosquera, Luz Eneida Lame, and Etelvina Mosquera, according to the outlets.

A man identified as Jhorman Mosquera was also injured in the incident and subsequently died at the hospital. Two other women suffered “serious burns.”

The four women had been taking part in a soccer game.Getty

According to the outlet, Mosquera indicated that the sky “was cloudy” though it didn’t rain during the game.

The mayor of the municipality, Diana Carolina Cabanillas, said she “regretted” the tragedy, perCauca Hoy.

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A friend of one of the victims posted online, “What sad news. Rest in peace Daniela" in tribute, per National World.

The Cajibo government did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for further comment.

source: people.com