Indonesian footballer dies after being hit by lightning: How it can be fatal

In a shocking incident, a football player was struck by lightning during a match in Indonesia, resulting in the player’s death.The incident took place on 10 February, when Septian Raharja, 35, was competing in a friendly match between FLO FC Bandung and FBI Subang, according to the local news outlet.Here’s all we know about the incident.Lightning strike kills Indonesian footballerThe local news outlet PRFM news claims that Raharja was struck by lightning while playing on the field.As soon as the victim fell to the ground, other players hurried to help him to the sidelines.According to the report, the victim's jersey was burned by the lightning hit, but he was still alive and breathing. After that, he was taken to the Sariningsih Hospital in Bandung, Indonesia, where they pronounced him dead.Videos were being circulated on X, showing the moment the payer got struck by lightning. While many football fans and players offered their condolences, several Indonesia teams also maintained a moment of silence in his memory.The local media, however, claims that although the game began under clear skies, the weather became adverse during play.Similar incidentsAccording to India Today, another football player participating in the Soeratin U-13 Cup in Bojonegoro, East Java province, Indonesia, was struck by lightning last year and temporarily lost consciousness. He had passed away in the Ibnu Sina Hospital in Bojonegoro following cardiac arrest.A similar tragedy occurred in Brazil in December 2023 when a lightning bolt stuck during a football game, killing a 21-year-old and injuring six more. After collapsing on the pitch, the young football player was taken to the hospital but eventually passed away from his wounds.News18 reported 11 people, including audience members and players, died from a lightning strike that occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo 25 years ago.30 additional attendees at the game also sustained burns. The match was taking place in the region of Kasai, and Bena Tshadi and Basanga were drawing 1-1. The event claimed the lives of eleven members of the Bena Tshadi side, while no players from the opposing team were hurt.Dangers of lightningLightning can be a deadly force of nature because it carries a tremendous amount of energy.Lightning carries between 1-10 billion Joules of energy. Enough to power a 100-watt bulb for at least 3 months. When that much energy enters a human body, the electric signals that power your heart, lungs, and nervous system are cut off. Cardiac arrest, brain damage, seizures, spinal cord damage, and amnesia could result from this.According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are about 6,000 lightning strikes every minute, which is more than eight million strikes every day.Although the risk of being struck by lightning is low, the consequences of the strike injuries are series.The National Library of Medicine (NLM) estimates there are approximately 24,000 fatalities with ten times as many injuries annually due to lightning.Even though these occurrences don't happen often, they highlight the problems with playing football in adverse conditions and the lack of facilities for smaller teams to deal with these problems.In most regions of the world, severe weather is interpreted by the referee, according the refereeing manual. On 8 February 2020, all football matches in the Netherlands were cancelled owing to extremely high wind speeds.Of the four planned matches for that day, Ajax, AZ Alkmaar, and Feyenoord were the top three clubs.In a statement, the Royal Netherlands Football Association stated that it had "concluded that the safety of supporters and players cannot be guaranteed because of the expected weather conditions" following negotiations with clubs, police, and municipalities.How to stay safeWhen lightning threatens, find a sturdy shelter immediately. Do not seek refuge in open structures, sheds or even tents since they may not provide sufficient safety. Avoid standing under trees such tall objects are frequently targeted by the lightning.During such extreme weathers, stay indoors and avoid going outside. To minimise the potential risks, stay away from windows and doors.Avoid water bodies like swimming pools, lakes, and rivers since water is an excellent conductor of electricity and may increase the risk of injury or even worse.Refrain from using electrical appliances as lightning strikes can cause power surges that might lead to electric shocks.Maintain a safe distance from metal objects like fences, poles, and umbrellas, which can conduct electricity.Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.Stay updated about the weather forecasts and warnings issued by weather agencies.With inputs from agencies