Authorities respond to the scene near Lafayette Park in Washington after four people were injured by lightning.
Washington (CNN) --
Four people are in critical condition after lightning struck in front of the White House.
Lightning struck Lafayette Park, which is directly across the street from the White House, Vito Maggiolo, a spokesman for DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services, said at a news conference Thursday night.
Record-breaking lightning flashes documented in North and South America
"All four were suffering from critical, life-threatening injuries" when help arrived, said Maggiolo, who was unable to provide additional details about the incident or the conditions of the victims.
Two men and two women were taken to area hospitals, DC Fire and EMS tweeted.
Maggiolo said officers from the Secret Service Uniformed Division and Park Police arrived on the scene immediately to help with the response.
A strong storm hit the Washington region around 7:00 pm ET (Miami time) on Thursday.
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