Thai footballer killed, Malaysian injured in mid-match lightning strike

 Sungai Golok police chief Thun Sirikhunt says the incident occurred during heavy rain, when lightning suddenly struck the middle of the pitch.

Sungai Golok police chief Thun Sirikhunt said police rushed to the scene and found Thai national Sofwan Awae in critical condition. (Thai police pic)

NARATHIWAT:

A Thai football player died, and a Malaysian was injured after being struck by lightning during an FA Golok Cup match at Santiphap Stadium in Sungai Golok here yesterday afternoon.

Sungai Golok police chief Thun Sirikhunt said the incident occurred during heavy rain at around 5pm local time, when lightning suddenly struck the middle of the pitch.

“The incident left more than nine individuals injured, while a Thai national, Sofwan Awae, 24, a Yala FC player, died,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

He said the Malaysian player injured in the incident was identified as Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli, 22.

Thun said police received an emergency call at around 5.30pm and rushed to the scene where they found Sofwan in critical condition.

“Although the emergency medical team made every effort to save him, the victim succumbed to severe injuries sustained in the incident,” he said.

The injured victims were taken to Sungai Golok Hospital for treatment, while police are investigating the incident. - FMT