Brazil lightning strike kills four people on beach Published duration 29 December 2014

image copyright EPA image caption The storm tore down trees and power lines across Sao Paulo state

Four people in Brazil have been killed by a lightning strike on a beach crowded with holidaymakers, according to media reports.

Four others were taken to hospital - two of them are said to be in a serious condition.

The incident occurred during a sudden storm at Praia Grande on the coast of south-eastern Sao Paulo state.

The victims were sheltering from heavy rain in a beachside kiosk when they were struck.

They were all from the same family and included a pregnant woman, according to news site G1 (in Portuguese).

The storm tore down trees and power lines across Sao Paulo state.