An unexpected incident occurred in Brasilia, Brazil, when lightning struck a group of right-wing protesters gathered to support former President Jair Bolsonaro amid heavy rain, injuring nearly one hundred people. Authorities rushed to assist and transported the injured to multiple hospitals.
Local Brazilian media reported that at least 89 supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro were injured after lightning struck the protest area in Brasilia on Sunday afternoon (25 Jan) local time.
The demonstrators had gathered near the JK Memorial on Monumental Axis Avenue, waiting for a Bolsonaro-supporting march amid heavy rain, before lightning struck the area around 1:00 p.m.
The Federal District Fire Department stated that at least 72 people received first aid, with 30 taken to hospitals, including 8 in serious condition. Firefighters already on site for protest security set up an emergency tent to provide assistance at the scene.
An eyewitness described the scene as chaotic after the lightning struck, with people collapsing simultaneously and trying to help each other amid panic. The strike occurred very close to the protest's sound system vehicle.
The Federal District Base Hospital reported treating at least 13 injured individuals, while Asa Norte Regional Hospital admitted at least 5 more. One injured person said the electric shock caused her to fall and suffer burns on her arm and abdomen, along with severe ear pain.
The protest was part of a seven-day march called "March for Freedom and Justice," led by opposition MP Nicolas Ferreira and several right-wing politicians. Participants are walking approximately 240 kilometers from Paracatu city toward Brasilia to show support for former President Bolsonaro.
The 70-year-old former Brazilian leader is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence after being convicted of plotting a coup to retain power following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.