In Indonesia, a 30-year-old Persikas Subang footballer died after a lightning strike during a friendly match. This incident was reported by a sports portal that covered local football events in the region, and it has sparked discussions about safety measures at stadiums used for semiprofessional competitions.
The match took place on February 10 at Siliwangi Stadium in Bandung. Eyewitness accounts describe two separate lightning events during the game. The first strike did not injure anyone, but the second impact affected the player directly. He collapsed on the field, lost consciousness, and teammates immediately moved to his side to provide aid. Medical personnel arrived shortly after and transported him to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Despite the efforts of doctors and the medical team, the player did not recover and passed away at the hospital while still unconscious.
During the chaotic moments following the strike, another player reportedly fainted and had to be assisted on the grass, underscoring the sudden danger that players faced during the match. The scene on the field was described by witnesses as tense, with onlookers and club officials anxiously awaiting updates on the athlete’s condition.
Local authorities and football officials have noted that this episode was not the first time lightning has struck the Siliwangi Stadium during sporting events. The recurrence of weather-related incidents at the venue has raised questions about infrastructure, weather monitoring, and safety protocols that are supposed to protect athletes and spectators during matches and training sessions.
Persikas Subang competes in Indonesia’s third-tier league, a level that features a range of clubs from across the country. In the season before the tragedy, Persikas Subang had played 13 matches, achieving seven wins, two draws, and four losses. The recent loss has cast a somber shadow over the club, its supporters, and the broader football community as they reflect on player safety and the need for robust emergency response plans on match days.
Moreover, this heartbreaking event has prompted discussions about weather risk assessment for outdoor sports venues, the installation of lightning protection systems, and the availability of rapid medical intervention during games. While the focus remains on honoring the deceased athlete and supporting his teammates, there is a broader call for leagues to review and upgrade safety guidelines to minimize the risk of similar tragedies in the future.
Earlier reports indicated another notable death in the football world, that of Amkal football player Kurylenko, which has been referenced in conversations surrounding the safety and health of players in competitive environments. The convergence of these unfortunate events has intensified conversations about player welfare, medical readiness, and the responsibilities of clubs and stadium authorities to safeguard athletes at every level of competition.