A woman has tragically died in front of her devastated husband after being struck by lightning during a holiday mountain hike in Peru.
Gabriela Daiana Basallo, 32, from Argentina, was hiking in the Red Valley, known for its unique orange and red-coloured mountains, in Peru’s Cusco region when she was hit by lightning and killed.
Her husband, Samuel Andres Sierra, a Chilean national, was left seriously injured. Rescuers found Gabriela’s body covered in burns following the accident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, November 12, according to police reports.
The authorities were alerted by tour guide Efrain Zamora Galindo about the death of the young woman, who hailed from Buenos Aires and was the mother of a 10 year old boy, as per local media reports. They had been descending a mountain after a hike when the lightning bolt struck Gabriela.
READ MORE: Woman dies on M5 motorway after her car breaks down and she rings for help
(Image: NX)
Her partner was immediately rushed to hospital where he is currently receiving medical treatment. Gabriela’s body was transferred to a morgue for autopsy, with the public prosecutor’s office investigating the incident.
Galindo explained that the Red Valley is known for its rugged terrain and unpredictable weather, with frequent snowfall and rain. It is located behind the Rainbow Mountain in the district of Pitumarca, which is famous for its colourful appearance, reports the Mirror.
The valley is characterised by a striking red surface due to its rich presence of iron and clay.
The tragic incident follows just weeks after footballer Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza was killed in Peru when he was struck by lightning during a match, leaving five other players injured. The 39 year old was caught on camera collapsing face-first onto the pitch moments after the referee had called for the game to be stopped due to the sound of thunder reverberating around the stadium.
(Image: NX)
He died instantly. Goalkeeper Juan Chocca Llacta, 40, also suffered a direct hit and was rushed to hospital with severe burns.
The horrifying event occurred during a regional tournament in Chilca, one of the 28 districts that makeup the central Peruvian province of Huancayo, between local teams Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca. Footage of the shocking moment shows the players slowly heading towards the changing rooms after the referee halted play as the storm worsened around 4pm local time.
Jose was pronounced dead at the hospital. At least eight players, including Jose and the critically injured goalkeeper, were knocked to the ground. The match, which Juventud Bellavista was leading 2-0 with 22 minutes played, was abandoned following the terrifying lightning strike.