Footballer dies after suspected lightning strike in Melaka

A friendly football match in Melaka, Malaysia, turned tragic on July 5 when a player, R. Thanesh, 28, died after a suspected lightning strike. The incident occurred around 5:40 p.m. at the Rakan Muda Lendu Complex field.

“

About 10 minutes after kick-off, there was a drizzle before a loud clap of thunder was heard. The victim’s friends then saw him and two other individuals collapse on the field after the incident.

Thanesh was playing for Rembau Indian Veteran FC against Tanjung Minyak FC. About 10 minutes after kickoff, a drizzle began, followed by a loud thunderclap. Witnesses saw Thanesh and two others collapse on the field. He was taken to Alor Gajah Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival at the emergency unit.

Alor Gajah police chief Superintendent Ahmad Abu Bakar stated that initial investigations found no criminal elements. However, burn marks were observed on the victim's body, extending from his toes to his left thigh, with additional burns on his lower left abdomen and bleeding from his right ear. The body was sent to Melaka Hospital for a post-mortem examination scheduled for July 6.

“

However, there were burn marks from the toes up to the left thigh. The victim also had burns on the lower left abdomen, blackened marks on the back and bleeding from the right ear.

The match referee was sent to the hospital by ambulance for treatment, while another individual affected by the incident was reported to be in good condition. Police have opened a sudden death investigation paper.

“

Police have opened an investigation paper and the case has been classified as sudden death.