A young boy has tragically passed away after getting struck by a lightning bolt while playing outside with his friends.

The incident involving a 9-year-old boy took place in Blackpool, England, where a group of friends was playing football on a sports field.

At around 5 in the afternoon on Tuesday, emergency responders were called to the School Road football field after reports that one of the boys playing outside got struck by lightning.

Though the 9-year-old was still alive at the time he was rescued and rushed to the hospital, he later succumbed to his injuries.

According to the reports, the young boy was a member of the Spirit of Youth Football Club and was likely training with his friends when the bizarre accident happened.

“It is with deepest regret that we have to report the news that the young boy who was struck by lightning earlier this evening has sadly passed away,” the sports club expressed in a statement.

“The tragic incident happened on our home ground at Common Edge playing fields but it was not during a club training session. As a club, we are heartbroken and we offer our deepest condolences to the boy’s family.

“Spirit of Youth is a family and we are entrenched in the local community, and we will give whatever support is required to both the family and to those that were with him at the time. We would ask that people respect the privacy of the family at this most tragic of times. Rest In Peace young man.”

After the tragic death, the police suggested an investigation is still underway but confirmed that the boy was likely struck by lightning.

“This is a truly devastating incident and our thoughts are wholeheartedly with the family and friends of the young boy, who has passed away, at this very sad and distressing time,” Detective Superintendent Nick Connaughton said.

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