Thailand: Football player killed by lightning strike during match
Sopwan Owa, a player for Yala Football Club, was killed by a lightning strike during a match in southern Thailand. The incident occurred during stoppage time amid a severe thunderstorm, leaving nine other players injured.
A football match in Thailand ended in tragedy after lightning struck the pitch during stoppage time. The incident occurred on August 4 at the Santiphap Stadium in Narathiwat province during the Golok FA Cup tournament.
According to eyewitnesses, heavy rain and strong winds were battering the pitch as a thunderstorm developed in the area. During stoppage time, a loud explosion was heard, and lightning struck the field. Several players collapsed, and the match was immediately halted.
24-year-old Sopwan Owa was critically injured and lost consciousness. Teammates and others on the pitch performed CPR before he was evacuated for medical treatment, but his death was pronounced shortly thereafter.
Nine other players were hospitalized following the incident. While the condition of some has improved, doctors continue to monitor their vitals due to the risk of complications. Some of the injured reported feeling a powerful blow to their backs, followed by a fall and numbness in their limbs.
Following the incident, authorities issued a warning against holding outdoor activities during thunderstorms and urged organizers to halt matches immediately when weather conditions become dangerous.
Shortly before his death, Owa had signed with Yala Football Club, a team in Thailand's third division. The club issued a statement of mourning and sent condolences to the footballer's family, while fans and players paid tribute to him on social media.
