A Thai footballer has been confirmed dead, while 12 other players sustained varying degrees of injuries after lightning struck during a match in a terrifying incident captured on camera.
As learnt, the victim, 24-year-old Sofwan Awae, suffered critical injuries when a bolt of lightning struck the pitch at Santiphap Stadium in Sungai Golok, southern Thailand.
According to police chief Thun Sirikhunt, Awae died yesterday despite efforts by emergency medical personnel to save his life.
Footage circulating on social media showed a lightning bolt striking the pitch near several players, followed by a deafening explosion that sent players and spectators into panic.
Awae’s teammates, wearing black-and-white striped jerseys, immediately rushed to his aid, turned him onto his back and attempted to resuscitate him before emergency responders arrived.
Police said 12 other players, including a Malaysian national, sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
The players were participating in the Golok FA Cup, a local tournament involving amateur Thai and Malaysian teams. Tuesday’s match was between SAMCOLTS and Abu x Nong Sirin.
Awae, a winger for SAMCOLTS, had recently signed for Thai third-tier club Yala FC.
In a condolence message, Yala FC expressed sympathy to Awae’s family.
“We extend our condolences to the family of our new Yala FC player, Sofwan Awae,” the club said.