Lightning strike injures 89 at rally for Brazil’s former president

On Sunday, lightning struck near a rally of supporters of Brazil’s former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro in Brasilia, leaving 89 people injured, according to the fire department..

Thousands braved the rain in Brazil’s capital to show support for Bolsonaro, who was handed a 27-year prison sentence last year for leading a failed coup attempt after narrowly losing his re-election bid.

Online footage captures crowds holding colorful umbrellas and wearing plastic ponchos, startled by a sudden flash of light followed by a rumbling sound.

The fire department told Newsmen they treated 89 people at the scene, including 47 who were taken to the hospital.

Eleven people “required major medical care,” the fire department added.

The gathering was organised by Brazilian lawmaker Nikolas Ferreira to demand “amnesty” for Bolsonaro.

The former head of state is incarcerated in the Papuda penitentiary complex in Brasilia.

He suffers from serious health complications related to a 2018 stabbing on the campaign trail and spent a week in the hospital in December following surgery for a groin hernia and treatment for recurring hiccups.

Earlier this month, he underwent tests after a fall in prison, but no serious injuries were found.

AFP