Four footballers killed after being struck by lightning

They were trying to shelter from the storm at the time of the incident

According to The Mirror, the footballers were taking shelter from the storm under a nearby tree when the incident occurred.

Another two female victims were rushed to hospital after suffering serious burns in the horror incident which happened on Sunday near the Colombian town of Cajibio.

The women have been named locally as Jeidy Morales, Daniela Mosquera, Luz Lame and Etelvina Mosquera. The unnamed male victim is said to have died in hospital.

Tributes have been paid to the victims after more details began to emerge.

A local government spokesperson 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 of one of the women said: "What sad news. Rest in peace Daniela."

Last November, a footballer was killed and five others injured after being hit by lightning during a match in Peru.

Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza, 39, who was filmed falling face first to the ground moments after the ref had ordered the game to be halted as the sound of rumbling thunder echoed round the stadium, died instantly.

Goalkeeper Juan Chocca Llacta, 40, also received a direct strike and was rushed to hospital in a taxi with serious burns to his body.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia a year ago, a 35-year-old died after being struck by lightning during a football match.