A 24-year-old athlete lost his life after being struck by lightning during a soccer game in southern Thailand. The tragedy occurred on August 4, 2026, at Santiphap Stadium located in Narathiwat province amidst a heavy monsoon downpour.
Match video captures the moment a bolt hit the saturated field near the players, resulting in a intense flash of light accompanied by fire and smoke. Safwan Awae, who recently began playing for Thai League 3 Southern Region team FC Yala, collapsed instantly. Bystanders and emergency crews scrambled to assist him, but despite their best efforts, police official Thun Sirikhunt confirmed he succumbed to his injuries.
Twelve additional participants suffered burns during the incident. One of the injured individuals was identified as 22-year-old Malaysian player Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli. This event serves as a grim warning regarding the risks associated with proceeding with outdoor sports while severe thunderstorms are active.
