Washington..Four wounded by lightning strike near the White House

Officials in Washington announced that four people were in critical condition after they were injured by a lightning strike near the White House in the US capital yesterday.

The lightning strike struck a small lawn across from the White House Avenue, leaving two men and two women with "serious, life-threatening injuries," according to a statement from the Washington Fire and Emergency Department.

All victims were taken to local hospitals.

Pictures published by the fire department on social media showed ambulances and at least one fire engine with flashing lights operating at the scene of the accident.

A severe thunderstorm hit the US capital yesterday evening.

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