Dozens of supporters of Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro were injured by a lightning strike in Brasilia, the country’s capital. The incident occurred near the JK Memorial on Monumental Axis road, where the group had gathered in heavy rain awaiting a march by Bolsonaro’s backers. Reports indicate that the lightning struck the crowd shortly before 1pm, resulting in 72 people receiving medical attention, with 30 individuals being hospitalized, including eight in critical condition, as per the Federal District Fire Department. Emergency services were swiftly deployed to the scene to provide immediate assistance.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene following the lightning strike, with people falling and scrambling for safety. One witness, sales representative Alfredo Santana, mentioned the close proximity of the lightning strike to the assembled crowd. Various hospitals, including the Federal District Base Hospital and the Asa Norte Regional Hospital, attended to the injured individuals. Among them was teaching assistant Patricia Rosa, who suffered burns and ear pain from the electrical discharge.
The supporters of Bolsonaro had participated in a week-long march named “Walk for Freedom and Justice,” organized by opposition congressman Nikolas Ferreira and other right-wing figures. The march, covering approximately 240km from Paracatu to Brasilia, aimed to show solidarity with Bolsonaro, who is currently serving a prison sentence for alleged coup plotting. Bolsonaro, aged 70, was convicted in September for leading a conspiracy to retain power after losing the 2022 election to his political rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.