• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. Lightning struck the pitch during a football match in southern Thailand.
  2. Thai player Sofwan Awae died despite emergency medical treatment.Β 
  3. Twelve others, including a Malaysian player, were injured in the incident.

A football match in southern Thailand ended in a tragedy after a lightning strike hit the pitch during a storm, killing one player and injuring 12 others. The horrifying incident, which unfolded during stoppage time, was captured on camera and has since gone viral across social media.

The deceased footballer has been identified as 24-year-old Safwan Awae, who succumbed to his injuries despite emergency responders' best efforts to save his life.

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WATCH: Lightning Strikes Pitch During Match

The tragic incident occurred on August 4, 2026, at Santiphap Stadium (Babu Stadium) in the Su-ngai Kolok district of Narathiwat, Thailand, amid heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Videos circulating online show a sudden bolt of lightning striking the centre of the football pitch. The impact created a flash of light followed by smoke and flames, with several players collapsing instantly as the electrical surge spread across the wet field.

The dramatic footage has been widely shared on social media, drawing shock and condolences from football fans around the world.

Safwan Awae Dies Despite Emergency Treatment

Twenty-four-year-old Safwan Awae was directly struck by the lightning and immediately collapsed on the field.

Players, officials and spectators rushed to assist him before emergency medical personnel arrived. CPR was administered on the pitch before he was transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

Despite the medical team's efforts, Awae later succumbed to the severe injuries he sustained in the strike.

Police chief Thun Sirikhunt confirmed the tragic death.

"Although the emergency medical team made every effort to save him, the victim succumbed to severe injuries sustained in the incident," Sirikhunt said.

Twelve Others Injured in the Strike

Authorities confirmed that 12 other individuals suffered burn injuries during the lightning strike.

Among the injured was 22-year-old Malaysian footballer Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli, who was representing a joint local team in the match. Emergency responders treated all injured victims before they were taken to hospital for further evaluation and care.

Officials are continuing to monitor the condition of those affected.

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Football Community Mourns Tragic Loss

The incident has sent shockwaves through the football community in Thailand and neighbouring Malaysia, with tributes pouring in for Safwan Awae following his untimely death.

The tragedy has also reignited discussions about player safety and weather protocols, particularly regarding matches played during severe thunderstorms.

Lightning strikes on football pitches remain extremely rare but can prove fatal, especially when games continue in dangerous weather conditions.


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