A lightning strike at a rally for Brazil’s imprisoned former president Jair Bolsonaro injured 89 people, with 11 requiring major medical care.
BRASÍLIA: A lightning strike injured 89 people at a rally supporting Brazil’s imprisoned former president Jair Bolsonaro on Sunday.
The fire department said 47 of the injured were taken to hospital from the scene in the capital, Brasília.
Eleven people “required major medical care,” the fire department added.
Thousands had gathered in the rain to demand “amnesty” for the former far-right leader.
Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison last year for leading a failed coup following his narrow re-election loss.
Online footage shows crowds with umbrellas and ponchos stunned by a sudden flash of light and rumbling sound.
The rally was organised by Brazilian lawmaker Nikolas Ferreira.
Bolsonaro is currently incarcerated in the Papuda penitentiary complex in Brasília.
He suffers serious health complications from a 2018 stabbing and spent a week in hospital in December.
Earlier this month, he underwent tests after a fall in prison, but no serious injuries were found.
