Wisconsin couple dies after lightning strikes 4 near White House, police say

WASHINGTON (WJLA) — After being struck by lightning near the White House, two tourists from Janesville, Wisconsin are dead, authorities told WJLA.

Thursday evening, D.C. Fire and EMS officials responded to reports of people injured after a lightning strike in Lafayette Park. The park is situated in the nation's capital, right across from the White House.

U.S. Park Police and Secret Service officers said they saw the lightning strike and called crews before providing life-saving measures to the victims. Officials said two men and two women were taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Friday morning, WJLA learned out of the four people, 76-year-old James Mueller and 75-year-old Donna Mueller, have died.

Police said that the other two victims remain hospitalized in critical condition.

Where the lightning strike happened is a popular tourist spot. D.C. Fire and EMS officials said Thursday that the fast response by those officers already on the scene could improve the survival chances for the victims.