Tragic Lightning Strike Claims Life of Goalkeeper During 7-a-Side Football Tournament in Rayong, Thailand

On 12 October Rescuers from the Buddhatham Welfare Foundation, Ban Chang, Rayong Province, were called to pick up a patient who had been struck by lightning. At the soccer field in front of the Ban Chang police station

When officers arrived at the scene, the body of Mr. Kitisak Fufung or Arthur, 32 years old, a goalkeeper for Pluak Daeng United, was found lying on his back on the field, unhurt, so he had to administer CPR. Until the pulse returned and he was taken to Ban Chang Hospital The medical team helped by providing first aid until the injured person was conscious. But the pulse is still low. So, he was taken to Somdet Phra Thep Hospital, Map Ta Phut Doctors were closely monitoring his condition. But the injured person later died.

From the investigation, it was learned that Mr. Kitisak I am a football player. Plays in the position of goalkeeper and is number one in the team. Often travel to play football with the team held between 12-14 October. An unexpected event occurred. So the competition had to be cancelled.

Regarding the cause of the lightning strike in the middle of the football field This is still under investigation. Because it was raining at the time of the incident and there were electricity poles nearby. Therefore, the exact cause is still unknown.

Later yesterday (October 13, 2024), the reporter was questioned by Mr. Tassana Surapap, 42 years old, a volunteer at Putthadhamma Deputy, Ban Chang, Rayong Province, who reported what happened on the day of the event at around 2:00 pm, while there was a football game with 7 players There was heavy rain before it got up towards the end of the competition. When the athlete is about to take a corner kick The rain had started to stop, but suddenly lightning struck twice behind the goal He was not able to see clearly if the hit lightning the ground or the trees because at that time everyone was paying attention to the corner kicker. Nobody cares about the goalkeeper.

Then the goalkeeper of the Pluak Daeng United team fell down like a person electrocuted. That moment was very fast. He wasn’t even struck by lightning. But he hit the tip of the tail. Rescuers in the field So he helped give first aid and took him to the hospital. By pumping the heart all the way from the football field to Ban Chang Hospital. There was a time when the injured person revived. I tried to speak but couldn’t Then he lost consciousness again.

Mr. Tasana said that the incident happened It is very strange. Because when the incident happened a child was collecting a football standing nearby. with the goalkeeper Behind the goal But that child was nothing.

The organizers revealed that this tournament It is a 7-a-side football tournament with a cash prize of 50,000 baht, held between 12-14 October at the police station football field. Ban Chang, Rayong Province The organizers are very sorry about the event. There is currently a meeting to discuss the issue of compensation for the deceased. As for the football tournament, it was canceled immediately.

The police at the Ban Chang Police Station revealed that the soccer match was organized by the local media in Ban Chang District. I came to ask to use the venue for the competition, so Ban Chang Police Station gave permission to use the venue.

While Mr. Because it happened too fast to have to wait until the burial is completed Even though I will discuss with relatives what to do next.

However, from the event to consider an accident that is very difficult to happen. Because the football field is in front of Ban Chang Police Station and in front of Ban Chang District. In that area there are many lightning rods. But maybe because the soccer field has big trees around the perimeter. So, maybe this is why lightning strikes trees in that area.

For the funeral ceremony yesterday (October 13, 2024), relatives held an Abhidhamma prayer ceremony at Wat Pho Thong, Thang Kwian Sub-District, Klaeng District, Rayong Province, with water pouring of the body at 3:00 pm.

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