Thai Footballer Killed By Lightning Strike During Semi-Final Match

A semi-final match in southern Thailand turned tragic on Tuesday afternoon when a sudden lightning bolt struck the pitch, killing a 24-year-old winger and injuring 12 other players.

The incident occurred during an regional FA Cup semi-final fixture at the Santiphap Stadium in Su-ngai Kolok, a border town in Narathiwat province adjacent to Malaysia’s Kelantan state. Reports published by the news outlet , Malaysia’s New Straits Times, and news agency Bernama confirmed the casualty details following the severe weather event.

Rain was falling heavily when the match between Abu X Nong Sirin and Samcolt reached its critical phase around 5:30 pm local time. Without warning, a powerful bolt of lightning struck the playing field, causing several footballers to collapse instantly.

Sofwan Awae, a 24-year-old winger playing for Abu X Nong Sirin, sustained severe injuries and died shortly after being rushed to Su-ngai Kolok Hospital. Awae was a rising talent in Thai football, having previously represented Pattani FC and third-division side Yala FC before joining Abu X Nong Sirin just days prior to the tournament.

Twelve other players suffered injuries in the strike and were transported to Su-ngai Kolok Hospital for emergency treatment. Among those injured was 22-year-old Malaysian national Muhammad Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli, who was featuring for Samcolt. The cross-border tournament featured teams and players from both Thailand and Malaysia, including Kelantan FC.

Superintendent Thun Sirikhunt, chief of Su-ngai Kolok Police, informed news agency Bernama that emergency responders dispatched medical personnel to the stadium immediately upon receiving a distress call. Although medical staff attempted life-saving resuscitation procedures on Awae, the severity of his electrical injuries proved fatal.

The Football Association of Thailand expressed profound condolences following the tragedy, offering sympathies to Awae’s family, his teammates, and his club during what it described as a devastating loss for the sporting community.