Lightning kills footballer, injures 12 players during match in Thailand
A 24-year-old footballer has died while 12 other players were injured after lightning struck a football pitch during a match in southern Thailand.
The tragic incident occurred on August 4, 2026, at Santiphap Stadium in Narathiwat province as a monsoon storm brought heavy rain during the game.
Video footage from the match showed players continuing play on the rain-soaked pitch when a lightning bolt suddenly struck the field, producing a bright flash followed by flames and smoke.
The lightning struck Safwan Awae, who immediately collapsed on the pitch.
Players, spectators and officials rushed onto the field to assist him while emergency responders were called to the scene.
Awae received emergency medical treatment before being taken to hospital, but police later confirmed that he died from injuries sustained in the strike.
Confirming the incident, Police Chief Thun Sirikhunt said emergency medical personnel did everything possible to save the footballer.
“Although the emergency medical team made every effort to save him, the victim succumbed to severe injuries sustained in the incident,” he said.
Twelve other players also suffered injuries, including burns caused by the lightning strike. Among them was 22-year-old Malaysian footballer Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli.
Awae had recently joined FC Yala, a club competing in the Thai League 3 Southern Region.
The incident has renewed concerns over the dangers of continuing outdoor sporting events during severe thunderstorms, with safety experts urging organisers to suspend matches immediately whenever lightning is detected nearby.
