ALOR GAJAH — A local friendly football match turned into a tragedy on July 5. A suspected lightning strike killed an amateur player and left a referee in the hospital.
The tragic event happened at the Rakan Muda Lendu Complex field around 5:40 PM. The victim was 28-year-old R. Thanesh. He was playing for Tanjung Minyak FC against Rembau Indian Veteran FC.
The severe weather hit the area very quickly. A light drizzle started just ten minutes after kick-off. A loud clap of thunder followed immediately.
Witnesses on the scene saw Thanesh and two other people collapse on the grass at the same time. Friends quickly rushed Thanesh to the Alor Gajah Hospital in a public vehicle. Doctors later pronounced him dead at the emergency unit.
An ambulance took the match referee to the hospital for urgent treatment. The third person did not suffer serious injuries and did not need medical help.
Alor Gajah Police Superintendent Ahmad Abu Bakar gave details about the body. He said an initial check showed clear burn marks. These marks went from the victim’s left toes up to his thigh. Thanesh also had burns on his lower abdomen and back.
The police found no signs of foul play at the sports field. They have classified the case as sudden death. Doctors will perform a post-mortem examination at Melaka Hospital to confirm the exact cause of death.
