Footballer Dies After Lightning Strike During Match in Thailand

A footballer has died after being struck by lightning during a regional tournament in southern Thailand, with 12 other people injured in the incident.

The tragic event occurred during the Golok Cup at Santiphap Stadium in Narathiwat province as a severe thunderstorm swept across the area. Heavy rain was falling when lightning struck the pitch, hitting 24-year-old Safwan Awae.

Witnesses rushed onto the field to assist the player after he collapsed, while emergency medical personnel responded quickly and transported him to a nearby hospital.

Despite efforts to save his life, Awae succumbed to the severe injuries he sustained.

“Although the emergency medical team made every effort to save him, the victim succumbed to severe injuries sustained in the incident,” police chief Thun Sirikhunt said.

Authorities confirmed that 12 other people suffered burn injuries during the lightning strike. Among those injured was Malaysian footballer Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli, who was present at the tournament.

Awae’s death came just weeks after he signed for FC Yala, a club competing in the Thai League 3 Southern Region.

The club paid tribute to the defender in a statement on Facebook.

“Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we will return. Condolences to the family of Safwan Awae, the new player of FC Yala.”

Videos circulating on social media showed players competing in heavy rain moments before a lightning bolt struck the field, causing panic among players and spectators. The footage captures people screaming as they rushed to assist those affected.

Lightning strikes on sports fields, while rare, can be fatal. Open football pitches are particularly vulnerable during thunderstorms because players and metal goalposts often become the tallest conductive objects in an exposed area.

A similar tragedy occurred in November 2024 when Peruvian footballer José Hugo de la Cruz Meza was killed after a lightning strike interrupted a regional match in Huancayo. Four other players were injured in that incident.

Officials have urged organisers and participants to suspend outdoor sporting activities immediately whenever thunderstorms are detected to minimise the risk of lightning-related accidents.