An Azul Linhas Aereas Avions de Transport Regional ATR-72-212A, performing flight from Vitoria da Conquista to Belo Horizonte (Brazil), received lightning strike.

Aircraft was enroute at FL160 near Montes Claros (Brazil), about 200nm north of Belo Horizonte, when lightning struck the aircraft prompting the crew to divert to Montes Claros for a safe landing on runway 12.

Passengers reported the aircraft entered clouds, there was some rain then a flash and a bang. The crew announced there had been a lightning strike.

The airline reported the captain decided to divert due to technical difficulties following the lightning strike. The passengers were bussed to Belo Horizonte.