A 24-year-old footballer, Safwan Awae, has died after lightning struck the pitch during a football match in southern Thailand, leaving at least 12 other players injured.
Safwan, who played as a winger for Yala FC, was participating in the Golok FA Cup 2026 tournament when the incident occurred at Santiphap Stadium in Narathiwat province.
The tragic incident happened on August 4, 2026, during a match played amid heavy rain and stormy weather conditions.
According to reports, lightning suddenly struck the playing area, affecting several footballers on the pitch.
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Video footage from the stadium reportedly captured the frightening moment when lightning struck the field, causing players to collapse.
People at the venue and emergency responders immediately rushed onto the pitch to assist those affected.
Several injured players were taken for medical attention following the incident.
Safwan was among those seriously affected by the lightning strike. Despite efforts to assist him, he was later confirmed dead from injuries sustained during the incident.
His death has sent shockwaves through the local football community, with teammates, supporters and football officials mourning the young player.
Lightning strike leaves several players injured
Safwan was not the only person affected by the incident.
At least 12 other players were reportedly injured after the lightning strike hit the pitch.
Some of the injured players required hospital treatment, while authorities and medical personnel assessed those affected at the scene.
Among those reportedly injured was Malaysian footballer Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers that thunderstorms can pose during outdoor sporting activities.
Football matches are often played in changing weather conditions, but lightning can create an especially serious risk for players, officials and spectators.
Safwan Awae remembered by football community
Following Safwan’s death, Yala FC and football authorities expressed condolences to his family, teammates and friends.
The club described his death as a painful loss for the team and the wider football community.
At just 24 years old, Safwan was still at the early stages of his football career and had represented Yala FC as a winger.
His sudden death has therefore left teammates and supporters struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
The football community has also expressed sympathy for the other players who were injured during the lightning strike.
The incident has attracted attention beyond Thailand because of the unusual circumstances surrounding the footballer’s death.
Match played during stormy weather
Reports indicate that the match was taking place while southern Thailand was experiencing heavy rain and stormy weather.
Thunderstorms can develop quickly, making it important for sporting organisers to monitor weather conditions before and during outdoor events.
When lightning is detected near a sporting venue, matches can be suspended and players moved to safe shelters.
The tragedy involving Safwan has renewed conversations about safety measures at football grounds, particularly during periods of severe weather.
For official information about football in Thailand, readers can visit the Football Association of Thailand.
Tributes continue after tragic death
News of Safwan’s death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from people connected to Yala FC and the regional football community.
Supporters have remembered the young winger while expressing sympathy to his family.
The tragedy has also highlighted how quickly sporting events can turn into emergencies when severe weather strikes.
While football is usually associated with competition, excitement and entertainment, the incident serves as a reminder that player safety must remain a priority.
The circumstances surrounding Safwan’s death have left many people asking questions about how matches should be managed when lightning and severe storms threaten a venue.
For the players who survived the incident, the experience is likely to remain a deeply upsetting memory.
The focus now remains on supporting the injured players and Safwan’s family following the devastating incident.
Safwan Awae’s death represents a heartbreaking loss for Yala FC and the football community.
At only 24, his life and sporting career were cut short in a tragic lightning incident that also injured several other players.
As tributes continue to emerge, football supporters in Thailand and beyond are mourning the young player and wishing a full recovery to everyone injured during the match.
Thai footballer Sofwan Awae, 24, killed by lightning strike during match in Narathiwat. 12 others injured. Bolt hit pitch at Santiphap Stadium. Tragic moment caught on video. pic.twitter.com/lrmQqpfmut
— NIDA TV (@Nidatv_1) August 6, 2026
