A YOUNG PERUVIAN footballer has had a miraculous escape after being struck by a bolt of lightning during a Copa Peru fixture.
Joao Contreras was playing for Sport Aguila when, just before half-time, storm clouds gathered overhead.
The 21-year-old was struck directly while a lineman was also injured, forcing the game to be abandoned.
Incredibly, both survived and are now in a stable condition in hospital with Contreras having sustained burns to his legs.
Initially, South American news organisations were reporting the player had died but the opposition, Fuerza Minera, tweeted: ”Thank God those affected are out of danger.”
“Our boys are good but they were terribly shaken,” the club added.
The match, which was taking place in Huancayo, was evenly poised at 1-1 before the accident.
Earlier this year, a supporter was struck by lightning ahead of a MLS game between Columbus Crew and Dallas.