A 24-year-old footballer has died after a lightning strike hit the pitch during a match in Thailand's Narathiwat province, with 12 others injured.
Fatal strike during semi-final
The incident occurred on Tuesday at Santiphap Stadium in Sungai Golok, where Thai and Malaysian teams were competing in the Golo FA Cup 2026 semi-final. Emergency services rushed the player to a local hospital, but he later died from his injuries.
Video footage shows the two teams playing in heavy rain when lightning struck the field with a loud explosion. The victim, identified as Sofwan Awae, was seen lying face down before teammates and staff rushed to help.
Police confirm identity and injuries
Sungai Golok police chief Thun Sirikhunt said: "Although the emergency medical team made every effort to save him, the victim succumbed to severe injuries sustained in the incident."
Awae, a winger for SAMCOLTS, had reportedly recently signed with Thai third-division club Yala FC. Among the injured was 22-year-old Malaysian player Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli, who was taken to hospital for treatment.
