Lightning kills soccer player and injures 12 during match – Watch video
Tragic incident shocks football community
A regional football match in Thailand ended in tragedy after lightning struck the pitch during severe monsoon weather. The incident happened at Santiphap Stadium in Narathiwat province during the Golok Cup tournament.
The player who lost his life was identified as 24-year-old Safwan Awae, who had recently joined Thai League 3 club FC Yala. Emergency responders and medical staff tried to save him, but he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Twelve others injured after lightning hits pitch
The powerful lightning strike also injured 12 other players who were on the field at the time. Among them was 22-year-old Malaysian footballer Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli, who reportedly suffered burn injuries.
🇹🇭 Horrifying moment from Thailand when a freak lightning strike kills a football player and injures 12 others during a match pic.twitter.com/lAwYJxhtUo
Video footage circulating online captured the moment lightning hit the ground during the match. The game was immediately abandoned as panic spread among players and spectators.
Safety concerns grow after deadly match
FC Yala paid tribute to Safwan Awae on social media and expressed condolences to his family and friends. The tragedy has sparked renewed discussion about player safety during thunderstorms and whether matches should be suspended when lightning threatens.
Many sports organisations follow lightning safety guidelines that require play to stop when thunderstorms are nearby. Experts say such precautions are important because lightning can strike suddenly and pose a serious risk to everyone on the field.
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The incident is a painful reminder that severe weather can become life-threatening within seconds. Sports authorities may now face increased calls to strengthen and consistently enforce lightning safety rules during outdoor matches.
