Lightning struck dozens of people at a political rally in Brazil.
01/26/2026, 04:1901/26/2026, 04:19
72 people were treated after the lightning strike, the media in the South American country reported, citing the fire department in the capital Brasília. Around 30 of them were taken to hospitals, including eight seriously injured. In addition, several of those affected suffered nervous breakdowns.
Lightning struck the crowd at a pro-Bolsonaro protest.Image: keystone
The incident occurred during a storm in the Praça do Cruzeiro square in Brasília. Supporters of imprisoned ex-President Jair Bolsonaro gathered there to demonstrate for his release. Bolsonaro has been serving a prison sentence of more than 27 years since the end of November for an attempted coup.
Videos show people with umbrellas standing at a metal fence as heavy rain falls. Then a sound similar to thunder is heard. Several people collapse and are caught by others. Paramedics and firefighters were deployed. (sda/dpa)