Lightning Strike Injures Dozens of Bolsonaro Supporters at Brasília Protest
In a dramatic turn of events, a sudden lightning strike has left dozens of protesters injured in Brazil's capital city. The incident occurred during a political gathering of supporters for former president Jair Bolsonaro, creating chaos and prompting a major emergency response.
Emergency Services Rush to Scene
According to reports from Brazilian media outlet G1, the lightning struck shortly before 1pm local time near the JK Memorial on the Monumental Axis in Brasília. The Federal District Fire Department confirmed that at least 72 people required medical assistance following the electrical discharge, with 30 of those individuals being transported to hospital for further treatment.
Eight of the injured were reported to be in serious condition, highlighting the severity of the incident. Emergency services including firefighters and SAMU (Mobile Emergency Care Service) were already present at the location but found themselves overwhelmed by the scale of the incident.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Chaos
Sales representative Alfredo Santana, who witnessed the event firsthand, described the scene to G1 reporters. "It was chaos. The lightning struck and everyone went down. We didn't understand what had happened at first - people were helping each other up, running everywhere," he recounted.
Santana added that the lightning struck "right in front of us, very close to the sound truck" that was part of the protest gathering. The protesters had assembled to await the arrival of a march supporting former president Jair Bolsonaro when the weather-related incident occurred.
Hospital Admissions and Injuries
The Federal District Base Hospital confirmed receiving 13 patients from the incident, while at least five others were taken to the Asa Norte Regional Hospital for treatment. Among those hospitalised was school monitor Patricia Rosa, who suffered multiple injuries from the electrical discharge.
Rosa reported being thrown to the ground by the force of the lightning strike and sustained burns to her arms and abdomen. She also experienced severe ear pain following the traumatic event, according to G1's reporting from the hospital.
Weather-Related Danger at Political Gatherings
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can accompany outdoor political demonstrations, particularly during periods of unstable weather. The lightning strike occurred despite emergency services already being present at the location, suggesting the sudden and unexpected nature of the event.
The gathering was part of ongoing political activities in Brazil involving supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro, though the lightning strike appears to have been a purely weather-related incident rather than anything connected to the political nature of the event.
Medical teams continue to monitor the condition of those injured, with particular attention being given to the eight individuals reported to be in serious condition following the electrical strike.
