Dozens of supporters of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro were injured by a lightning strike in Brasilia, the country’s capital. The incident occurred as they gathered near the JK Memorial on Monumental Axis road during heavy rain while awaiting a march by Bolsonaro’s backers. Reports indicate that the lightning struck a group of people just before 1pm, leading to 72 individuals receiving medical attention. Among them, 30 were hospitalized, with eight in serious condition, according to the Federal District Fire Department. Emergency services were quick to respond, setting up a makeshift medical station at the scene to provide immediate care.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene following the lightning strike, with individuals helping each other in the aftermath. Alfredo Santana, a sales representative, recounted the confusion and panic that ensued. The Federal District Base Hospital treated 13 patients, while five others were transported to the Asa Norte Regional Hospital. One of the injured, teaching assistant Patricia Rosa, shared her experience of being thrown to the ground by the lightning, sustaining burns to her arms and abdomen, along with severe ear pain.
The incident took place during a seven-day march named “Walk for Freedom and Justice,” organized by opposition congressman Nikolas Ferreira and other right-wing politicians in support of Bolsonaro. The march, covering approximately 240km from Paracatu to Brasilia, aimed to rally behind Bolsonaro, who is currently serving a 27-year sentence for alleged involvement in a coup plot. Bolsonaro, aged 70, was convicted in September for orchestrating a scheme to retain power after losing the 2022 election to his political rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
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