Lightning Strike Injures 89 At Rally For Brazil’s Ex-President Bolsonaro

At least 89 people were injured when lightning struck near a rally in support of Brazil’s jailed former president, Jair Bolsonaro, in the capital city Brasilia on Sunday, authorities confirmed.

According to the Brasilia Fire Department, emergency responders treated dozens of victims at the scene, with 47 people taken to hospital for further medical attention. “Eleven people required major medical care,” the fire department told AFP.

Thousands of Bolsonaro supporters had gathered in the rain for the demonstration, which was organized by conservative lawmaker Nikolas Ferreira, who called for “amnesty” for the former leader.

Videos shared on social media captured the chaotic moment, crowds huddled under colorful umbrellas and plastic ponchos when a sudden flash of lightning lit up the sky, followed by a deafening rumble.

The 68-year-old Bolsonaro, who is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for leading a failed coup attempt following his narrow defeat in the 2022 presidential election, remains incarcerated at the Papuda penitentiary complex in Brasilia.

Bolsonaro has battled persistent health problems linked to a 2018 stabbing during his presidential campaign. He spent a week in hospital last December after undergoing surgery for a groin hernia and treatment for recurring hiccups. Earlier this month, he was hospitalized briefly after a fall in prison, but doctors reported no serious injuries.