Woman dies after lightning strike at Santa Catarina beach

A 39-year-old woman died after being struck by lightning while walking on the sand at Praia da Pinheira, located in Palhoça, near Florianópolis, on Friday afternoon.

Witnesses reported that the incident occurred during a storm characterized by heavy rain and strong winds. The victim was found unconscious with burns on her body. Although emergency responders and medical teams at the Praia do Sonho Urgent Care Unit managed to resuscitate her, she remained in serious condition. After being intubated, she was transferred to the Hospital Regional de São José, where she passed away on Saturday morning.

A video of the lightning strike was confirmed as authentic by the Fire Department. Authorities have used the incident to reiterate warnings regarding the dangers of remaining in open areas, such as beaches, during thunderstorms, advising people to seek immediate shelter and avoid proximity to the sea, trees, or metal structures.