Published: Less than 20 min ago
full screen A severe thunderstorm moved in over the US capital on Thursday evening. Archive image. Photo: Bernd Maerz/AP/TT
Two people have died after being struck by lightning near the White House in Washington on Thursday evening, police said.
According to emergency services, two men and two women suffered life-threatening injuries when lightning struck Lafayette Square park, which is located opposite the White House, during a severe thunderstorm.
On Friday, it was announced that a man and a woman, both aged 75, died of their injuries. The condition of the other two injured is critical.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre states that President Biden’s administration regrets the two deaths and “prays for those who are still fighting for their lives.”