China News Service, August 6. According to a report by CNN, on the evening of the 4th local time, a lightning strike occurred in Lafayette Square on the north side of the White House in the United States. Three people have been killed and one injured.

On August 5, local time, U.S. police confirmed that three people had been killed in a lightning strike near the White House, and another was hospitalized for life-threatening injuries.

At about 7 p.m. ET on the 4th, a strong thunderstorm hit the Washington area.

Lafayette Square, where the incident occurred, is adjacent to the White House, the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and the U.S. Treasury Department.

This was taken by a Reuters TV camera installed on a nearby roof.

  James Mueller, 76, and Donna Mueller, 75, died of their injuries after the lightning strikes on the evening of the 4th, according to reports.

  The couple are from Wisconsin.

ABC reported that they were celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary in Washington, citing Madison.

  On the afternoon of the 5th local time, the police notified another 29-year-old injured man of the tragic death.

Police have not released the man's identity.

  In addition, the condition of the other injured person has not been released.

  White House press secretary Karina Jean-Pierre said in a statement on the 5th that she was saddened by the tragic loss of life in the lightning strike.

  According to John Jensenius, a lightning safety expert in the United States, the three dead in the lightning strike are the 10th, 11th and 12th lightning strike victims in the United States so far in 2022.

  At about 7 p.m. local time on the 4th, a severe thunderstorm hit Washington, D.C.

A law enforcement source said the victim was sheltering from the storm under a tree.

  The Washington emergency department forwarded safety tips on social media on the 5th, saying that there is a high possibility of severe thunderstorms that day. People should hide indoors or in cars after hearing thunder, and never hide under trees to avoid the rain.