Horrifying moment freak lightning strike kills football player, 24, and injures 12 others during match

THIS is the terrifying moment a bolt of lightning strikes a football pitch, killing one player and injuring 12 others during a match in Thailand. Shocking footage shows two teams playing through a fierce monsoon before a blinding flash suddenly lights up the pitch. A lightning bolt struck a football pitch in Thailand Credit: Viral Press One of the players was killed with several others injured Credit: Viral Press A huge lightning bolt slams into the ground, sending flames and a cloud of smoke into the air. Player Safwan Awae, 24, was struck by the lightning’s devastating force. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Panicked players and spectators are seen sprinting across the pitch as teammates desperately try to revive him. A crowd quickly gathers around the victim, carrying umbrellas and a stretcher as they shield him from the torrential rain. A concerned group of spectators gathered around the victim Credit: Viral Press The shocking incident took place during a local tournament of amateur teams Credit: Viral Press Emergency crews rushed to the scene before Safwan was taken to hospital in critical condition. Police chief Thun Sirikhunt later confirmed the Thai winger had died from his injuries, forcing the match to be abandoned. Twelve other players also suffered burns in the strike, including 22-year-old Malaysian footballer Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli. Sirikhunt said: “Although the emergency medical team made every effort to save him, the victim succumbed to severe injuries sustained in the incident.” Most read in Sport The tragedy unfolded during the Golok Cup regional tournament at the Santiphap Stadium in Narathiwat province. It featured both local and mixed amateur teams from Thailand and Malaysia. Safwan, who played as both a winger and forward, had recently fulfilled a lifelong ambition by signing for semi-professional side FC Yala. FC Yala compete in the Thai League 3 Southern Region. In a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, the club wrote: “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we will return. “Condolences to the family of Safwan Awae, the new player of FC Yala.” Southeast Asia is currently in the height of its rainy season. It typically runs from May to October, bringing frequent thunderstorms and flash flooding across the region. Comment now