Video: 24-year-old footballer dies after being struck by lightning during a match

• Safwan Awae, 24, died after being struck by lightning during a football match in Thailand.

• The incident happened during the Golok FA Cup 2026 tournament in Narathiwat province.

• Twelve other players were injured after the lightning strike.

• The tragedy has raised concerns about weather safety during outdoor sporting events.

A 24-year-old footballer, Safwan Awae, has died after being struck by lightning during a football match in Thailand.

Safwan, who played as a winger for Yala FC, was taking part in the Golok FA Cup 2026 tournament when lightning struck the pitch at Santiphap Stadium in Narathiwat province, southern Thailand.

The incident happened on August 4, 2026, during a match played amid heavy rain and stormy weather conditions. Footage from the stadium showed the moment lightning hit the playing area, causing players to collapse and sending spectators into panic.

Emergency responders and people at the venue rushed to assist the affected players before they were taken for medical treatment.

Safwan was among those seriously affected and was later confirmed dead from injuries sustained during the incident.

At least 12 other players were injured in the lightning strike, with some requiring hospital treatment. One of the injured players was reportedly Malaysian footballer Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli, who suffered injuries after the strike.

Following the tragedy, Yala FC and football authorities expressed condolences over Safwan’s death, describing the incident as a painful loss for the club and the football community.

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The incident has also renewed concerns about safety measures during outdoor sporting events, particularly when matches continue during severe weather conditions such as thunderstorms.

Lightning strikes are a known risk during outdoor activities, and safety experts generally advise that sporting events should be suspended when lightning is detected nearby to reduce the risk of injury or death.

Safwan’s death adds to a number of rare but tragic cases involving lightning strikes during sporting events around the world.