Lightning Strike Washington D.C: Lightning strike in Lafayette Park leaves three dead
Washington/IBNS: An elderly couple from Wisconsin were among the three that passed away after the lightning strike in Washington D.C
James Mueller, 76, and Donna Mueller, 75, were visiting the US capital to celebrate their 56th marriage anniversary, their niece told BBC
A 29-year-old unnamed man was the third to die due to the lightning strike in Lafayette Park situated north of the White House Thursday, Washington D.C police told reporters.
The fourth individual was severely injured.
Emergency personnel previously said all four involved in the incident "had critical life-threatening injuries."
Due to the closeness of the park to the White House, the US Secret Service members were the first to reach at Lafayette Park.
The four individuals were struck by the lightning whilst they were close to a tree that surrounds the White House complex, BBC reported.
The National Lightning Safety Council (NLSC) said, "This is a sad reminder that you should never shelter under a tree when thunderstorms approach."
In a statement issued Friday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said they are "saddened by the tragic loss of life" after the lightning strike in Lafayette Park.
According to the NLSC, uptill now in this year alone the US has recorded at least 12 lightning fatalities.
