Lightning Strike During Football Match Kills 20s Thai Player, Injures Eight

A tragic lightning strike during a football match in Thailand has resulted in the death of a 24-year-old player and injuries to eight others. The incident occurred on August 4th at Santiparb Stadium in Narathiwat province during the 'Goal FA Cup 2026' semifinal match.

In the second half's stoppage time, a sudden downpour was accompanied by a lightning strike that hit the center of the field. Safwan Awe, a Thai national and player for Yala FC, sustained severe injuries and was immediately attended to by paramedics and the team doctor. Despite being transported to a hospital, he tragically passed away.

Eight other players who were on the field at the time also suffered injuries and are receiving medical treatment. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine the necessary legal procedures.

Questions have arisen regarding why the match continued despite the sudden heavy rain and lightning. International sports bodies, including FIFA, have established protocols for severe weather, such as the '30-minute rule,' which mandates stopping play and waiting for at least 30 minutes if lightning is detected within a certain radius of the stadium. However, it is reported that such safety measures are often not followed in smaller regional tournaments, potentially leaving participants vulnerable to extreme weather events.

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We visited the family of our new player, Safwan Awe, who passed away due to a natural disaster, and offered our condolences.