An elderly couple from Wisconsin have died after they were struck by lightning near the White House in Washington DC, police say.
James Mueller, 76, and Donna Mueller, 75, died from their injuries.
Two others were struck and injured and have been taken to hospital in the city.
The victims were in Lafayette Park during a violent storm on Thursday when they were struck down, fire officials said.
The park’s closeness to the seat of the US presidency meant members of the US Secret Service were among the first people to assist the victims.
The White House offered condolences to the families of the couple who died. “We are praying for those still fighting for their lives,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
The lightning struck the four people near a tree by the fence that surrounds the White House complex.
In the wake of the incident, part of the park remained closed with emergency services at the scene.
The National Weather Service had issued a thunderstorm warning for the area on Thursday.
Lafayette Square is a seven-acre public park directly north of the White House. It is often crowded with visitors, especially during the summer.
Source: BBC
