Lightning strike at Brasilia rally injures 89 Bolsonaro supporters

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ABONE OL

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Eighty-nine people were injured when lightning struck near a rally supporting jailed former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil’s capital on Sunday, fire officials said.

The bolt hit as thousands gathered in the rain to demand the far-right leader’s release from prison, where he is serving a 27-year sentence for his role in attempting to overturn his 2022 election defeat.

Video footage captured the moment a sudden flash and thunder sent crowds scrambling for cover beneath umbrellas and plastic ponchos in Brasilia.

Fire department officials said 47 people required hospital treatment, with 11 needing intensive medical care. Emergency responders treated dozens more at the scene.

The rally was organised by Congressman Nikolas Ferreira, who called for “amnesty” for Bolsonaro and others convicted in connection with the failed coup attempt that followed his narrow loss to leftist Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Bolsonaro, 70, is detained at Papudinha, a special detention facility at the Papuda penitentiary complex in Brasilia.

He has faced ongoing health problems stemming from a 2018 stabbing during his first presidential campaign, including a week-long hospitalisation in December for groin hernia surgery and treatment for persistent hiccups.

Earlier this month, Bolsonaro underwent medical evaluation after falling in prison, though doctors found no serious injuries.

The former president was convicted last year on charges of attempting to maintain power through force after losing the October 2022 election.

His supporters stormed government buildings in Brasilia on 8 January 2023 in an effort to provoke military intervention.