Reuters. A large bolt of lightning momentarily lit up the White House during a powerful thunderstorm in Washington on Thursday (August 4)
The deadly strike killed two people and seriously injured two others at Washington's Lafayette Square, just north of the White House.
Lafayette Square, a seven-acre public park, is often crowded with visitors, especially in the summer months.
A Reuters camera mounted on a building across the street captured the moment the lightning struck the four victims near a tree that stands yards away from the fence that surrounds the presidential residence and offices.
"This is the people's house. It should be a place all can see. We are saddened by the tragic loss of life after the lightning strike in Lafayette Park last night," said White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre at the start of Friday's White House briefing.
All four sustained critical, life-threatening injuries, and were taken to area hospitals, where two later died, authorities said.
The two victims were a married couple, in their 70s, visiting from Wisconsin, authorities said.
Scientists say that climate change is increasing the likelihood of lightning strikes across the United States.
The hot, humid conditions in Washington on Thursday were primed for electricity.
Air temperatures topped out at 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34 degrees Celsius) – or 5F (3C) higher than the 30-year normal maximum temperature for Aug. 4, according to the National Weather Service.
More heat can draw more moisture into the atmosphere, while also encouraging rapid updraft – two key factors for charged particles, which lead to lightning.
