Footballer dies after being struck by lightning on the pitch in tragedy in Indonesia

The man, later identified as Septain Raharja, was playing in a friendly between 2 FLO FC Bandung and FBI Subang when a bolt of lightning struck him at Siliwangi Stadium in Bandung, West Java. The 35-year-old was reportedly still breathing after the incident on Saturday afternoon, according to PRFM News, but he died later in a local hospital after suffering intense burns. A video clip of the lightning strike has gone viral on social media, with many offering their condolences.

This is the second time an Indonesian footballer has been struck by lightning in the past year. A footballer in Bojonegoro, East Java, was reportedly struck by lightning at the Soeratin Under-13 Cup last year. The youngster suffered a cardiac arrest but was successfully revived in a local hospital.

Several Indonesian teams have since taken a moment of silence in memory of Septain, who was from Subang. Before FBI Mageland and Erka played against one another, both sets of players bowed their heads to commemorate their fellow footballer.

More tributes are likely to take place for the 35-year-old. Incidentally, analysis of the lightning strike from Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency stated the cloud the lightning came from was just 300m above the stadium when it struck.