Septain Raharja: Indonesian Player Dies After Being Struck by Lightning During Match

• The footballer was hit by lightning while participating in a match in Indonesia
• Following the strike, the footballer passed away after being hurried to the hospital
• He becomes the second Indonesian player to be struck by lightning in 12 months

A tragic incident occurred in Indonesia on Saturday as a footballer passed away after being struck by a lightning bolt during a football match.

Video footage captured the precise moment when the 35-year-old male victim from Subang collapsed at Siliwangi Stadium in Bandung, West Java.

The man, later identified as Septain Raharja, was participating in a friendly football match between 2 FLO FC Bandung and FBI Subang when lightning struck him at approximately 4:20 pm local time on Saturday.

According to reports from local media outlet PRFM News, the victim was initially still breathing after the incident and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital. However, he tragically succumbed to severe burns shortly thereafter.

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Football

Numerous teams across Indonesia paid tribute to Septain by observing a moment of silence.

During a match between FBI Mageland and Erka, players bowed their heads in remembrance of the fallen footballer.

An investigation conducted by Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) determined that the lightning strike originated from a cloud located just 300 meters above the stadium at the time of impact, per Bleacher Report.

Brazilian footballer struck by lightning

A 21-year-old Brazilian footballer faced a similar tragedy when he was struck by lightning while playing on the field in Brazi last year, per talkSPORT.

Caio Henrique de Lima Goncalves, 21, was competing for his Uniao Jaiirense team in a cup match in the southern state of Parana when he was hit by the lightning bolt.

He collapsed on the pitch following the strike and was swiftly taken to the hospital. Despite receiving medical attention, he tragically passed away from his injuries.

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Indonesia fans unhappy with Messi

In another publication, Sports Brief reported that Indonesian fans of Lionel Messi voiced disappointment on Friday after the star withdrew from a friendly match in Jakarta. One fan, who traveled for 12 hours by boat and plane to attend the game, accused organizers of false advertising.

More than 60,000 tickets were quickly sold out for the Monday clash between Indonesia and World Cup winners Argentina, following extensive advertising featuring Messi's face.