Mum struck by lightning and suddenly dies at Peru holiday beauty spot in front of husband

Gabriela Daiana Basallo, from Argentina, was hiking in the Red Valley, known for its unique orange and red-coloured mountainous landscape, in Peru's Cusco region when she was hit by lightning

A mum struck has tragically died in front of her heartbroken husband after she was struck by lightning while on a holiday mountain hike in Peru.

32-year-old Gabriela Daiana Basallo, from Argentina, was hiking in the Red Valley, known for its unique orange and red-coloured mountainous landscape, 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 after the accident, which took place on Tuesday afternoon, on November 12 , according to the police.

The authorities were notified by tour guide Efrain Zamora Galindo of the death of the young woman, who was from Buenos Aires and who was the mother of a 10-year-old boy, according to local media reports.

They had been returning down a mountain after a hike when the lightning bolt struck Gabriela. Her partner was rushed to hospital where he is 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. The valley is characterised by a striking red surface thanks to its rich presence of iron and clay.

The devastating strike comes just weeks after footballer Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza died in Peru after he was struck by lightning during a game, with the incident leaving five other players injured. The 39-year-old 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, was killed 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.

The tragedy happened during a regional tournament in Chilca, one of the 28 districts that form the central Peruvian province of Huancayo, between two local teams called Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca.

Footage of the dramatic moment tragic defender Jose, pictured in online tributes, was killed showed the players appearing to walk slowly towards the changing rooms after the referee halted play when the storm intensified around 4pm local time. He was declared dead in hospital.

At least eight players including Jose and the seriously-injured goalie ended up on the ground. The match, which Juventud Bellavista was winning by 2-0 with 22 minutes played, was abandoned after the horror lightning strike.