A lightning strike during a sudden downpour killed four Brazilian beachgoers Monday, media reports said.

The victims — a pregnant woman and three men — had been relaxing at Praia Grande in southeastern Sao Paulo state when they were struck as they sought shelter at a beach kiosk, web news portal G1 reported.

G1 added that four other people had been taken to hospital.

In later updates, G1 identified the dead victims as members of the same family.

Sao Paulo lightning victims being assisted

One of the dead was identified as Zenildo Tadeu Vieira, retired colonel of the Military Police. He was 69 years old. his wife, Andrea Boaretto, 41; also died. So were the niece of the couple, Katia Boaretto who was five months pregnant; and her husband, Luciano D’Alessandro.

All were residents of the Sao Paulo, G1 said.

A woman and her two daughters were also reportedly under observation at the local hospital.

The lightning struck during a heavy rain in the area.