Europe Asia News

Fire department officials said that on Sunday, a lightning strike near a rally in support of detained former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro in the country’s capital injured 89 people.

The lightning struck as thousands of people gathered in the rain demanding the release of the far-right leader, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence for his role in an attempt to overturn his defeat in the 2022 election.

Video footage captured the moment when a sudden flash of lightning and a clap of thunder forced the crowd to seek shelter under umbrellas and plastic raincoats.

Fire officials said that 47 people were taken to hospital, with 11 receiving treatment in intensive care. Emergency response teams provided assistance to dozens of others at the scene.

Bolsonaro, 70, is being held at Papudinha, a special detention facility located within the Papuda prison complex in Brasilia.

He faces ongoing health issues stemming from a stabbing during his first presidential campaign in 2018, as well as a week-long hospitalization in December that included surgery for an inguinal hernia and treatment for persistent hiccups.

Earlier this month, Bolsonaro underwent a medical evaluation after falling in prison, but doctors found no serious injuries.