A football match in Thailand ended in tragedy after a lightning strike hit the pitch, resulting in the death of one player and injuries to nine others.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the incident occurred during a semifinal match of the "Golok FA Cup 2026" tournament held at the Santiphap Stadium in the Sungai Kolok district.
Reports indicate that the lightning struck the center of the pitch during the final minutes of the match. The powerful electrical discharge caused several players on the field to collapse instantly.
Emergency medical teams were immediately dispatched to the scene to provide first aid. Despite these efforts, Sofvan Avae, a player for FC Yala, succumbed to his severe injuries. Nine other players were injured in the incident and were subsequently transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Sungai Kolok Police Chief Thun Sirikhunt stated that the match was being played under adverse weather conditions, characterized by heavy rain and strong winds. An investigation into the incident has been launched.
FC Yala released an official statement expressing their condolences regarding the player's death, offering support to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Lightning strikes on sports fields, while rare, pose significant risks during outdoor events held in inclement weather. Sports governing bodies worldwide frequently issue guidelines advising the immediate suspension of matches when lightning is detected in the vicinity to ensure the safety of athletes and spectators.
