24-year-old footballer d!es after lightning strikes pitch during match in Thailand

A 24-year-old footballer, Sofwan Awae, has died after lightning struck the pitch during a football match in southern Thailand, leaving 12 other players injured.

The incident occurred on August 4 at Santiphap Stadium in Sungai Golok during a Golok FA Cup match between SAMCOLTS and Abu x Nong Sirin.

Awae, who played as a winger for SAMCOLTS, suffered critical injuries after the lightning strike. Despite efforts by his teammates and emergency responders to revive him, he later died.

Footage circulating online captured the moment a flash of lightning struck the field, followed by a loud blast that sent several players collapsing.

Teammates immediately rushed to Awae and attempted to provide first aid while emergency personnel responded to the scene.

Police confirmed that 12 other players, including a Malaysian national, were injured in the incident and taken to hospital for treatment.

Awae had recently signed with Thai third-tier club Yala FC, which paid tribute to the young footballer following his death.

“We extend our condolences to the family of our new FC Yala player, Sofwan Awae.”

The tragic incident has since sparked an outpouring of condolences from the football community.