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View of the White House from Lafayette Square
Photo: Yegor Aleyev / imago images / ITAR-TASS
The four people were in critical condition after a lightning strike in Lafayette Square in Washington on Thursday, a fire official in the US capital said.
The injured - two adult men and two adult women - were taken to nearby hospitals with life-threatening injuries.
Lafayette Square, a seven-acre public park adjacent to the White House, is often crowded with visitors, especially during the summer months.
The four people were struck by lightning near a tree a few meters from the fence surrounding the presidential residence and offices.
Officials from the US Secret Service and the US Park Police, who are regularly present at the square, witnessed the accident and immediately rushed to the victims' aid.
Rescue workers were called to the scene of the accident just before 7 p.m.
A portion of the park remained closed for more than an hour Thursday evening, with rescue workers at the scene.
jul/Reuters/AP