Video: DC Fire & EMS transports 4 after lightning strike near White House
Two people who were critically injured have died, and two others remained hospitalized with life-threatening injuries
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Two people who were critically injured in a lightning strike outside the White House have died, police said Friday. Two others remained hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
James Mueller, 76, and Donna Mueller, 75, of Janesville, Wisconsin, died of their injuries after the lightning strike in Lafayette Park, located directly outside the White House complex, the Metropolitan Police Department said.
WATCH: Fox weather camera captured this incredible lightning strike around the time the 4 people were struck near White House. https://t.co/9liRqW7tqx @fox5dc pic.twitter.com/fsXTKCpYQq
— Lindsay Watts (@LindsayAWatts) August 5, 2022
The two other people, a man and a woman, were in critical condition, the police department said. Their identities were not immediately released.
Authorities did not reveal how the people were injured, other than to say they were critically hurt in the lightning strike.
Apparent lightning strike Lafayette Park NW. #DCsBravest on scene in the process of treating and transporting 4 patients, all in critical condition. pic.twitter.com/1jyCh44Q2n
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) August 4, 2022
Officers with the Secret Service and the U.S. Park Police witnessed the lightning strike Thursday night and ran over to render first aid, officials said.
Emergency medical crews were called to the scene just before 7 p.m. and had transported all of the victims to the hospital with "critical, life-threatening injures," fire department spokesman Vito Maggiolo said.
There is a high probability of more severe thunderstorms today. In light of the tragedy in Lafayette Park, #DCsBravest want you to be weather aware, and follow these lightning safety tips. pic.twitter.com/fTZf1F6tS5
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) August 5, 2022

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