Soccer player Safwan Awae has passed away after a tragic incident in Thailand. He was 24.
Videos by FanBuzz
According to the New York Post, lightning struck Awae during a soccer match at Santiphap Stadium in Narathiwat province, southern Thailand, on Tuesday. He fell to the ground as spectators rushed to the scene and attempted to resuscitate him.
Medical personnel also arrived on scene and transported the soccer player to the hospital. The authorities later confirmed that he had passed away.
The video of the lightning strike is linked here.
"Although the emergency medical team made every effort to save him, the victim succumbed to severe injuries sustained in the incident," police chief Thun Sirikhunt said, per The Post.
Additionally, 12 other players sustained injuries after the lightning strike in Thailand. The injuries included burns.
Prior to his passing, Awae has signed a deal to play for the Yala City Football Club of the Thai League 3 Southern Region.
"Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we will return," Yala City Football Club posted on Facebook after news of Awae's passing. "We express our condolences to the family of Safwan Awa."
Lightning strikes are a major concern at athletic events, which leads to some strict procedures. Events in the United States, in particular, have lightning holds that happen to prevent the tragic passing of competitors, fans, and others.
For example, if lightning strikes within eight miles of a NASCAR race, all activity must stop for 30 minutes. Fans must exit the grandstands and find shelter while drivers, crew members, and other industry figures must stop working on the cars and in open areas.
If lightning continues to strike within this eight-mile perimeter, the clock resets. This is something that regularly occurs during summer races at Nashville Superspeedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, and Atlanta Motor Speedway.
The NFL has similar procedures. If lightning strikes happen in the area, the game will stop. This is something that has occurred before in Philadelphia, Jacksonville, and other cities. Once the weather leaves the area, the game can resume.
The NFL Commissioner has the power to postpone a game due to a later date due to weather, but this is a rarity. Doing so would require some significant adjustments to the schedule.
