Lightning strike kills footballer during friendly match in Melaka, referee injured

KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 — A footballer was killed and a referee injured after lightning struck during a friendly match in Melaka yesterday evening, police said.

The victim, identified as R. Thanesh, 28, died while receiving treatment at Alor Gajah Hospital after the incident at the Lendu Rakan Muda Complex football field at about 5.40pm.

According to Astro Awani, the friendly match between Rembau Indian Veteran FC and Tanjung Minyak FC had been under way for about 10 minutes when light rain began before a loud clap of thunder was heard.

Alor Gajah district police chief Superintendent Ahmad Abu Bakar said the victim’s teammates then saw Thanesh and two other individuals collapse on the pitch immediately after the thunderclap.

“About 10 minutes after kick-off, light rain began before a loud clap of thunder was heard. The victim’s teammates then saw him and two other individuals collapse on the field immediately after the incident,” he said.

Thanesh was taken unconscious to Alor Gajah Hospital in a private vehicle, where he was later pronounced dead.

“The victim was taken to Alor Gajah Hospital in an unconscious state using a private vehicle, while the match referee was transported by ambulance to receive treatment,” Ahmad said.

He added that another person affected in the incident was reported to be in good condition and did not seek hospital treatment.

An initial examination of Thanesh’s body found no signs of foul play.

“However, there were burn marks from the victim’s toes up to his left thigh.

“He also suffered burns on the lower left side of his abdomen, while blackened marks were found on his back extending to his buttocks, as well as bleeding from his right ear,” Ahmad said.

The body has been sent to Melaka Hospital for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

Police have classified the case as a sudden death report.