Video has emerged of the horrific moment a lightning bolt struck a football pitch, killing one player and injuring 12 others. The tragic incident occurred during a football match in Thailand, The Sun reported on Wednesday.
Shocking footage shows two teams playing in severe weather conditions, before a blinding flash suddenly illuminates the pitch.
A huge bolt of lightning struck the ground, sending flames and a cloud of smoke into the air.
Player Safwan Awae, 24, was struck by the destructive force of lightning, the English media outlet writes.
Panicked players and spectators are seen running around the pitch, as teammates try unsuccessfully to keep the 24-year-old alive.
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VIDEO:
🇹🇭 #Thailand
— Sonar 360 (@Sonar360) August 4, 2026
⚡ Tragedy se vivió durante el encuentro entre #Narathiwat FC y #Yala FC cuando un rayon impactó el terreno de juego el 2/08
🕊️The footballer #Sofwan Awae, 29, passed away
🤕9 injured players
✍🏽Awae acababa de renovar contrato con el equipo
🕯️DEP 🌐 pic.twitter.com/MMiQrkprWK
A crowd quickly gathered around the victim, carrying umbrellas and a stretcher as they tried to shield him from the pouring rain. Emergency crews rushed to the scene before Safwan was taken to hospital in critical condition.
Police chief Thun Sirikhunt later confirmed that the Thai winger had died from his injuries. Twelve other players also suffered burns, including 22-year-old Malaysian Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli.
"Although the emergency medical team did their best to save him, the footballer died from the serious injuries he sustained in the incident," said police chief Sirikhunt.
The tragedy occurred during the Golok Cup regional tournament, at Santiphap Stadium in Narathiwat province.
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The tournament featured amateur and mixed teams from Thailand and Malaysia.
Safwan, who played as a winger and centre-forward, had recently achieved his goal of signing for semi-professional team FC Yala.
This club competes in the third division of Thailand.
"Condolences to the family of Safwan Away, the new FC Yala player," the club wrote.
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Club leaders were also there to pay tribute to the family of the deceased player.
Southeast Asia is currently in the height of the rainy season. Typically from May to October, there are frequent storms and flooding across the region.
