Safwan Awae, a 24-year-old footballer, was struck by lightning during a match and 12 others were injured, all with burns.

A 24-year-old Thai footballer named Safwan Awae died after being struck by lightning during a match, with twelve others injured, all suffering burns, according to local reports. The incident occurred at the Santiphap Stadium in Narathiwat province, southern Thailand, during a regional tournament known as the Golok Cup. The match was between two amateur teams, one Thai and one Malaysian, when a bolt of lightning hit the field mid-game. Awae, who played as a winger and occasionally as a forward, was struck by the lightning while the game was still ongoing. He was immediately assisted by his teammates and rushed to the hospital, but he later succumbed to severe injuries. Local police chief Thun Sirikhunt confirmed the death, stating that despite medical efforts, Awae did not survive the injuries caused by the strike. Among the injured were twelve other players, all of whom sustained burns, including a 22-year-old Malaysian player named Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli. The match was abruptly halted following the incident. Video footage shared online shows the moment of the tragedy: a sudden flash of lightning illuminates the stadium, followed by a fire and smoke rising from the point of impact. Panic ensues as players and spectators seek shelter, while some attempt to resuscitate Awae. A makeshift shelter is quickly erected using umbrellas around the body, awaiting the arrival of emergency personnel and a stretcher. The event took place under extreme weather conditions, with heavy rain and thunderstorms. Despite warnings about the dangerous weather, the match continued until the lightning strike occurred. The Golok Cup, a regional competition held in southern Thailand, typically features amateur teams from both Thailand and Malaysia. This particular match had been anticipated as a significant opportunity for the participants, especially for Awae, who had recently signed with FC Yala, a semi-professional team competing in the southern division of the Thai League 3. For Awae, this was a special moment in his career. Just days before the match, he had officially joined FC Yala, marking the realization of his dream to play for a higher-tier club. The team expressed their condolences through a public message on social media, offering support to his family and paying tribute to the new player with a traditional Islamic prayer. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, providing immediate aid to the injured and coordinating the removal of the deceased. Authorities have since begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the lightning strike, including whether proper safety measures were in place given the weather conditions. The incident has sparked discussions about the risks associated with outdoor sports in adverse weather and the need for better preparedness in such situations. Local officials have called for greater awareness regarding the dangers of playing in stormy conditions, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety protocols. Meanwhile, the families of the victims and the broader community mourn the loss of a young athlete whose life was cut short by an unforeseen and tragic accident.