More than 30 people injured after being struck by lightning during protest | World | News

Several protesters have been seriously injured in a freak lightning storm during a demonstration in Brazil. The group had been gathering near the JK Memorial in the capital city of Brasilia on Sunday afternoon when the thunder clouds moved in.

Eye witnesses have described how lightning struck down at the protestors causing dozens to fall to the ground. The event struck just before 1pm local time, with military figures and the emergency services soon jumping to the help of the 72 people needing care.

Of the 72, the local fire department confirmed that 30 have been taken to hospital including eight in a serious condition.

Speaking to Brazilian outlet g1, eyewitness Alfredo Santan spoke about the devastating scenes: “Lightning struck, and then everyone fell. We didn’t understand anything until we managed to get up and help each other, with so many people running. 

“The firefighters and paramedics were already there, but there were so many people at the same time. It struck right in front of us, very close to the sound truck.”

Around 13 patients were confirmed to have been taken to the Hospital de Base in Brasília, while at least five were taken to the Hospital Regional da Asa Norte.

Many of the victims, although not seriously injured, needed minor treatments for burns and shock.

One of the survivors who was taken to the hospital, school monitor Patricia Rosa, spoke about how the strike threw her and others to the ground during the protest.

She revealed she had suffered severe burns on her arms and stomach, as well as struggling with severe ear pain after the lightning.

The protestors were waiting in the capital for the arrival of an opposition march of supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro.