Four footballers killed by lightning strike as they sheltered under a tree during match

FOUR female footballers were killed by a lightning strike as they sheltered under a tree.

A man who was with them died in hospital while two women also suffered serious burns.

The four women have been named as Jeidy Morales, Daniela Mosquera, Luz Lame and Etelvina Mosquera.

Initial reports said the players hid in a pitchside shed in Cajibio, Colombia.

But government spokesman Lesly Valencia said: “The information I have is that the women were participating in a football tournament when the emergency occurred.

“A lightning bolt struck a tree and that was what caused the death of the four women.”

Tata Velasco, a friend, said: “What sad news. Rest in peace Daniela.”

One local wrote: “What they did was very ­dangerous. Trees attract lightning bolts.”

It comes as a footballer was killed and five others injured after being hit by lightning during a match in Peru.

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Four female footballers were killed by a lightning strike as they sheltered under a tree[/caption]