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Eighty-nine people were injured when lightning struck near a rally in support of imprisoned former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in the Brazilian capital on Sunday, fire officials said.
The riot struck as thousands of people gathered in the rain to demand the far-right leader’s release. The leader is serving a 27-year sentence for his role in trying to overturn his 2022 election defeat.
Video footage captured the moment a sudden flash of light and thunder caused crowds to hide under umbrellas and plastic ponchos in Brasilia.
According to fire officials, 47 people required hospitalization and 11 people required intensive care. Paramedics treated dozens more people at the scene.
The rally was organized by Congressman Nicolas Ferreira, who called for “pardons” for Bolsonaro and others convicted in connection with the coup attempt, which he narrowly lost to leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Bolsonaro, 70, is being held in Papudinha, a special detention facility in Brasilia’s Papuda prison.
He has faced ongoing health issues stemming from stab wounds sustained during his first presidential campaign in 2018, including a week-long hospitalization in December for inguinal hernia surgery and treatment for persistent hiccups.
Earlier this month, Bolsonaro received medical attention after falling into prison, but medics said he was not seriously injured.
The former president was convicted last year of trying to maintain power by force after losing the October 2022 election.
His supporters stormed government buildings in Brasilia on January 8, 2023, with the aim of provoking military intervention.
Additional sources of information • AFP