Thai soccer player Safwan Awae has died after lightning struck the soccer pitch he was playing on. As reported by Dexerto, twelve other players were also injured.
The shocking incident happened in Thailand, at Santiphap Stadium in the province of Narathiwat. Awae, a 24-year-old player for SAMCOLTS, was playing against Abu x Nong Sirin. The two teams were facing off against each other as a part of a regional cup match.
Chilling footage from the scene shows a fan capturing the game, before a loud explosion and bright flash directly hits the soccer pitch. Teammates were seen trying to revive Awae before he was rushed to Sungai Kolok Hospital, where he tragically died of his injuries.
Police confirmed that while Awae received the most critical injuries, 12 others were also hurt. Another injured player also included 22-year-old Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli.
Awae had a promising soccer career. Just a week before he passed, he had signed with Thai League 3 side Yala FC.
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Tributes Poured in for the Soccer Player Who Died
Yala FC posted a touching tribute to the player. In the caption of a
video posted on social media in Thai, they wrote, "More than a football player, but a family... FC Yala joins in sending prayers and condolences for the passing of 'Softwan'."Members of Yala FC described Aware as a "quiet, well-mannered guy who didn't talk much." They continued, "He was an athlete - a football player - and a good kid. He didn't go out partying, he focused on sports and exercise. Before coming to Yala, he was already an athlete."
They also said they "want to express our deepest condolences to his family, and offer them our moral support." They added they were "trying to raise funds to provide some financial assistance to his parents," saying they "want to offer encouragement to the family he left behind."
In order to do this, they said they would be "organizing a friendly match between Yala FC and Narathiwat FC".
This is a truly horrifying situation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Awae, as well as any others injured following this tragic incident.
