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Indonesian Soccer Player Septain Raharja Dies After Being Struck By Lightning During Match

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Andrew Powell Sports and Entertainment Blogger
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A soccer player in Indonesia has died after being hit by a lightning strike during a Saturday game.

Septain Raharja was struck by lightning during a match between FBI Subang and 2 FLO FC Bandung at Bandung, West Java’s Siliwangi Stadium, according to PRFM News. Footage of the incident shows a bright light flashing followed by Raharja collapsing.

The 35-year-old — who reportedly suffered severe burns — was still breathing after being struck and was transported to a local hospital, where he ultimately died.

The lightning came out of a cloud that was only 300 meters above the field, according to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency in Indonesia, per OutKick.

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After his death, multiple teams showed their respects to Raharja, featuring moments of silence and condolences on social media, including from his club.

 

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Believe it or not, lighting striking soccer players has become a norm in the sport.

Last year in Brazil, a 21-year-old soccer player for Uniao Jaiirense, Caio Henrique de Lima Goncalves, was struck by lightning during a game in Parana, according to the Daily Mail. After collapsing on the pitch, he was sent to a hospital and later died from his injuries.

Six other players in that same game were reportedly forced to pay a visit to the hospital because of the deadly lightning strike. (RELATED: Woman Placed In Hospital After Falling From Stands During Waste Management Open: REPORT)

A U13 player in Indonesia was also struck by lightning in 2023, OutKick reported. Though he managed to live, he suffered cardiac arrest and lost consciousness for 20 minutes.