A chilling video captured in Indonesia during a soccer match on Saturday depicts the moment a player was fatally struck by lightning, serving as a stark reminder for American sports enthusiasts about the importance of lightning delays during various events – delays that, despite causing frustration among impatient fans like myself, are implemented for good reason.
According to reports from the U.K.’s Daily Mail, the tragic incident unfolded on Saturday in Bandung, West Java, during an exhibition game at Siliwangi Stadium. The horrifying event occurred around 4:20 p.m. local time when Septain Raharja, 35, was struck by lightning.
In the footage, Raharja is seen positioned at the top of the screen as his team advances the ball. Suddenly, a lightning bolt hits him with such intensity that it momentarily obscures him from the camera’s view. He collapses immediately.
WARNING: The following video is deeply disturbing:
A soccer player from Indonesia was killed by lightning#BREAKING #BREAKING_NEWS #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/19MBNwRWC9
— Fun Lover (@retweetingbreak) February 12, 2024
Local media, as cited by the Mail, reported that Raharja was still breathing on the field after the strike. However, he succumbed to severe burns after being swiftly transported to a nearby hospital. A week later, those mourning his sudden passing remain unidentified.
Raharja’s tragic death serves as a poignant reminder of the formidable force of lightning and underscores why American sports leagues and governing bodies prioritize the safety of participants and spectators by implementing delays at the slightest hint of such a strike.
Reflecting on a personal experience in October, when my Oklahoma Sooners faced the Kansas Jayhawks in Lawrence, Kansas, I recall a weather delay during a heavy rainstorm. Although some impatient fans, including myself, initially groaned and attributed the eventual loss to the weather delay, the incident emphasizes the importance of halting play until an appropriate timeframe elapses without any lightning activity.
The heart-wrenching video of Raharja’s demise underscores the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that lightning is a force not to be underestimated and that human life holds immeasurable value, surpassing the significance of any sports event.
The National Weather Service provides insight into the formidable nature of lightning, noting that a typical lightning flash carries approximately 300 million volts and roughly 30,000 amps. In comparison, a typical household electric current is approximately 120 volts and 15 amps. This stark contrast serves as a sobering reminder of the immense power and potential danger associated with lightning.
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