Footballer killed and 12 injured after lightning strikes match in Thailand
A shocking lightning strike brought a football match to a devastating end after one player was killed and 12 others were injured during a tournament in Thailand.
The horrifying incident unfolded during the Golok Cup regional competition in Narathiwat province, where players from Thailand and Malaysia had continued playing despite heavy monsoon rain before disaster struck.
Dramatic footage posted online captured the moment a powerful bolt of lightning crashed into the pitch, briefly illuminating the stadium before sending players and spectators scrambling for safety.
The strike hit 24-year-old Safwan Awae, who collapsed on the field after being caught in the blast.
Panic quickly spread around the stadium as team-mates rushed to his aid while supporters ran onto the pitch carrying umbrellas in an effort to shield him from the torrential rain.
A stretcher was brought onto the field before emergency medical teams arrived and transported Safwan to hospital in a critical condition.
Despite their efforts, he later died from his injuries.
Police chief Thun Sirikhunt confirmed the tragedy, saying: "Although the emergency medical team made every effort to save him, the victim succumbed to severe injuries sustained in the incident."
Twelve other players were also hurt during the lightning strike, suffering burns as a result of the incident.
Among those injured was 22-year-old Malaysian footballer Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli.
The match was immediately abandoned following the incident.
Safwan had recently achieved a major milestone in his football career after signing for semi-professional side FC Yala, who compete in the Thai League 3 Southern Region.
Capable of playing as both a winger and a forward, he had been hoping to establish himself with the club after earning his move.
Following news of his death, FC Yala paid an emotional tribute to their player on Facebook.
"Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we will return," the club wrote.
"Condolences to the family of Safwan Awae, the new player of FC Yala."
The tragedy comes during Southeast Asia’s annual rainy season, which typically runs from May until October and regularly brings severe thunderstorms, lightning strikes and flash flooding across the region.
Authorities have repeatedly warned of the dangers posed by extreme weather, particularly during outdoor sporting events, where lightning can strike with little warning.
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