13-2-2024 (JAKARTA) Tributes have poured in from Indonesia’s footballing fraternity after a tragic incident on February 10, where a footballer lost his life after being struck by lightning during a match.
The footballer, identified as 35-year-old Septian Raharja from Football Boots Indonesia (FBI) Subang, was participating in a friendly match at the Siliwangi Stadium in the city of Bandung, located approximately 150 kilometers south of Jakarta.
A video of the incident, widely shared on social media, shows Septian walking on the pitch when a bolt of lightning strikes him, causing him to collapse.
Another player standing nearby is also seen falling over due to the lightning strike.
lightning struck a man during a football match in Indonesia ????????https://t.co/JnRUJSukl1
— Kobbie Mainoo Fans (@KobbeMainoo) February 11, 2024
An eyewitness, identified only as GJ, revealed to news outlet Kompas that he was part of the opposing team. He mentioned that the sky was overcast and the weather was warm during the game.
GJ further described the injuries sustained by Septian, stating that both his legs were burned red, and he had a scar on his chest. The witness added that Septian’s kit was torn apart. Some players can be seen running away from the spot where the lightning struck, while Septian’s teammates rushed towards him.
In another video, Septian’s teammates can be observed carrying him off the pitch.
According to Indonesian news outlet PRFMnews, Septian was still breathing immediately after the lightning strike occurred around 3:30 PM. However, his jersey was torn as a result of the incident. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead after being rushed to Sariningsih Hospital, located just over a kilometer away.
FBI Subang shared a photograph of Septian on their Instagram account, accompanied by the date of his death and a rose emoji, as a tribute to him. Among the hundreds of comments expressing condolences for his loss was former Indonesian national team striker Cristian Gonzales.
Another team affiliated with FBI, based in the regency of Magelang, posted a photograph of its players observing a moment of silence in remembrance of Septian.
This tragedy in Indonesia occurred nearly two decades after a similar incident took place in Singapore. In March 2004, Jiang Tao, an 18-year-old player from the now-defunct Chinese S-League club Sinchi FC, lost his life after being struck by lightning during a training session at Jurong Stadium, which has since been demolished.
