Storm in Washington: Two people die after lightning strikes the White House

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Fatal accident not far from the White House

Photo:

IMAGO/Bryan Olin Dozier / IMAGO/NurPhoto

Two people died after lightning struck a park in front of the White House in the US capital Washington.

The fatalities were a 76-year-old and a 75-year-old from the US state of Wisconsin, police said on Friday.

Two other people were seriously injured in the storm on Thursday evening (local time).

»Our hearts are with the families«

Lafayette Square, a seven-acre public park adjacent to the White House, is often packed with visitors, especially during the summer months.

The broadcaster CNN reported that the victims had sought shelter from the violent thunderstorm under a tree.

White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said she was "shaken by the tragic loss of life following the lightning strike in Lafayette Park."

She continued, "Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones and we pray for those who are still fighting for their lives."

bbr/dpa