Lightning struck near a rally supporting Brazil’s former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro in Brasília on Sunday, injuring 89 people, the fire department said.
Despite heavy rain, thousands gathered in the capital to back Bolsonaro, who was sentenced last year to 27 years in prison for leading a failed coup attempt after narrowly losing re-election.
Videos circulating online show attendees under colourful umbrellas and plastic ponchos jolted by a sudden flash and thunderous boom.
Fire officials told AFP that 89 people were treated at the scene, with 47 taken to hospital.
The event was organised by lawmaker Nikolas Ferreira, who called for “amnesty” for Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro is currently being held at the Papuda penitentiary complex in Brasília. He has ongoing health issues stemming from a 2018 campaign-trail stabbing and was hospitalised for a week in December following groin hernia surgery and treatment for recurring hiccups.
Earlier this month, he underwent medical tests after a fall in prison, though no serious injuries were reported.