Sorrow as lightning strike kills football player during match, chilling video emerges

Safwan Awae, a 24-year-old winger for Yala FC, was struck by lightning during a regional tournament match in Thailand's Narathiwat province

The incident at Santiphap Stadium left 12 other players injured with burns, including a 22-year-old Malaysian footballer

Awae had only signed his contract with Yala FC the week before the match, reportedly fulfilling a lifelong ambition

Safwan Awae, a 24-year-old winger for Thai League 3 side Yala FC, died on Tuesday, August 5, 2026, after a lightning bolt struck him mid-match during a regional cup fixture in southern Thailand.

The incident occurred at Santiphap Stadium in the Su-ngai Kolok district of Narathiwat province, where two teams were competing in the Golok Cup tournament.

Video captures players, spectators rushing to Awae's side

Despite deteriorating weather conditions, play continued into a heavy monsoon downpour before a flash of lightning struck the pitch, bringing the match to a horrifying halt.

Footage from the ground showed players and spectators rushing to Awae's side, attempting to revive him while shielding him from the rain.

Emergency services arrived and transported him to hospital in a critical condition, but he did not survive. Police chief Thun Sirikhunt later confirmed Awae had died from his injuries.

Players injured after lightnight strike in Thailand

Twelve other players were also hurt in the incident, suffering burns of varying severity. Among the injured was Malaysian footballer Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli, aged 22.

Several players were taken to nearby Sungai Kolok Hospital for treatment.

The tragedy carries a particularly painful dimension given the timing. Awae had signed his contract with Yala FC just days before his death, with reports indicating that joining the club had been a lifelong ambition.

Yala FC mourns winger Safwan Awae

He never got the chance to build on that milestone.

Yala FC published a statement on their official page expressing deep condolences to Awae's family.

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) also issued a formal response, stating it "shares the grief with the family, friends and the club during this difficult time."

Brazilian teen shot dead shortly after amateur football tournament

In another story, TUKO.co.ke shared details about the tragic death of Brazilian teenager Micael Leandro da Silva, who was shot dead shortly after finishing an amateur football tournament in Maceio.

His father described the devastating loss, stating, "My family has been torn apart by two criminals who came and shot my son in the back."

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Click here to read article