Peru Soccer Lightning: João Contreras ‘Felt Dead’ After Terrifying Incident [Video]

Lightning struck a soccer player in Peru, and the alarming incident was caught on camera. It was a horrifying moment for Peruvian soccer player João Contreras when a bolt of lightning descended from the sky and struck him on the field. Unbelievably, the scary moment of impact was broadcast live on television Tuesday night in Peru, according to New York Daily News.

Shocked fans at home and in the soccer stadium in Peru watched helplessly as a lightning bolt knocked the 21-year-old defender to the ground surrounded by smoke. Various media outlets actually reported that the athlete had died from his injuries. They were wrong. He was transported to a local hospital in serious condition but very much alive.

“At that moment I was dead, did not feel my legs. It was something inexplicable. I had the fright of my life. Right now I feel like I’ve been reborn.” Contreras told El Comercio of Peru from his hospital bed. “I woke up. I touched my body and felt my torn clothes. That’s when I got scared because I did not feel my legs.”

“The lightning, according to the doctors, struck my face, went down my right side and then down my chest, my stomach and ended up exploding my right ankle,” Contreras continued. “I’d like to thank everyone who was worried about me, supporting me, giving me strength. I’ve got to thank the man upstairs, too,” he added.

The match between soccer clubs Sport Águila and Fuerza Minera ended after the freak accident. When asked about his future in sports, Contreras said his doctors have warned him to take it easy. For now, he plans to focus on his rehabilitation. Fortunately, the Peruvian soccer player struck by lightning is expected to make a full recovery.

[Image via morgueFile]