A tragedy shook Thai football after a 24-year-old player lost his life after being struck by lightning while playing an official match. The victim was identified as Safwan Awae, a member of Yala FC, who suffered the impact of an electric shock during a match corresponding to the Golok Cup.
The dramatic episode occurred in Narathiwat province, in the south of the country, where the tournament was taking place in the Santiphap state, within the Su-ngai Kolok district.
While the match was in play, a lightning strike hit the field and directly struck the player, who collapsed immediately in front of teammates, rivals, and spectators.
The impact also affected nine other people who were present, who suffered various injuries as a result of the weather phenomenon.
Medical services quickly entered the field to assist the affected individuals. Upon arriving with Awae, they found that he still showed vital signs, although his condition was extremely critical.
After receiving initial care, the player was urgently transferred to Sungai Kolok Hospital, where doctors attempted to stabilize him. However, hours later his death was confirmed due to the severity of the injuries caused by the electric shock.
The other nine injured individuals were also taken to the same health center and remained under medical care.
