Palhoça beach lightning strike kills 39-year-old tourist

Edinara Gonçalves Areze, a 39-year-old tourist from Caxias do Sul, died after being struck by lightning at Praia da Pinheira in Palhoça, Santa Catarina. The incident occurred on Friday (28) during a storm.

Emergency responders found Areze unconscious on the sand with burns. Although she was briefly resuscitated and transported to the São José Regional Hospital, the Santa Catarina State Health Secretariat confirmed her death on Saturday morning. Video footage captured the moment of the electrical discharge.

Following the tragedy, safety experts have issued warnings regarding storm risks in open areas. They advise individuals to immediately leave beaches and open spaces upon hearing thunder, as lightning can strike before or after rainfall and can travel through water and metallic structures.