Two people are dead and two others are injured after a bolt of lightning struck near the White House in Washington, D.C., Thursday evening.
The bolt hit a tree in Lafayette Park across the street from the White House during an evening storm. James Mueller, 76, and Donna Mueller, 75, died from injuries sustained in the incident, according to CNN. The couple was visiting the nation’s capital from Wisconsin.
The condition of the two others injured is not immediately clear. The party was sheltering from the storm under the tree when the lightning struck.
“We are saddened by the tragic loss of life after the lightning strike in Lafayette Park. Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones, and we are praying for those still fighting for their lives,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement, according to NPR.
D.C. Fire and EMS official Vito Maggiolo urged people to shelter indoors during a storm.
“If you see lightning or hear thunder, you should seek shelter inside of a building or a vehicle. Do not attempt to seek shelter under a tree,” he said, according to NPR.
