Three people died and one was seriously injured after being struck by lightning this Thursday in the gardens in front of the White House in Washington, in the United States.
The news is advanced by the American television CBS News, which quotes a police source from the country’s capital.
During a period of rain and storm on Thursday, lightning struck Lafayette Square, right in front of the White House, at 6:52 p.m.
At the time, James Mueller, 76, and Donna Mueller, 75, who were in Washington celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary, were standing by a tree in Lafayette Square and were directly struck by lightning.
The two elderly men were immediately rescued by police officers and US Secret Service agents present at the scene because they were in the White House area, but ultimately died of their injuries.
According to CBS News, the couple had five children, ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Family members told News 3 Now that Jim and Donna Mueller were high school sweethearts celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary in Washington, DC when they were struck by lightning outside the White House last night. NEW DETAILS: https://t.co/PjkkioVEhU pic.twitter.com/UCMB7MMidR
— News 3 Now / Channel 3000 (@WISCTV_News3) August 5, 2022
The lightning struck two other people besides the Muellers.
A 29-year-old man was seriously injured after being struck by lightning and died in hospital on Friday.
A woman who has not been identified by authorities remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The White House reacted to the incident in a statement signed by its communications director, Karine Jean-Pierre. “The tragic death after lightning struck Lafayette Square saddens us. Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones and we pray for those who are still fighting for their lives.”
Source: Observadora
