Thai footballer Sofwan Awae died after being struck by lightning during a regional tournament match on Tuesday in Sungai Golok, southern Thailand.
The 24-year-old winger had recently signed with a team in Thai League 3, the country's third division. He was playing in a Kolok FA Cup semi-final at Santiphap stadium under heavy rain around 5:30 p.m. when lightning struck the pitch.
Twelve other people were injured and hospitalized following the lightning strike. Among those injured was a 22-year-old Malaysian player.
Footage of the incident widely shared on social media captured a blinding light and a loud detonation before several players collapsed on the pitch. The video showed the lightning bolt hitting near the players, accompanied by a plume of smoke.
Emergency medical response
Players and spectators rushed onto the pitch immediately after the strike to try to revive Awae. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition, where emergency medical teams attempted to save his life.
The local police chief stated that despite all efforts by the emergency medical team to save him, the victim succumbed to severe injuries suffered during the incident.
Condolences and tributes
Following his death, Awae's new club and the Football Association of Thailand presented their condolences to his family.
