Three people were killed and one person was injured after lightning struck the area across from the White House.
UPDATE: 2 dead, 2 critically injured in lightning strikes in front of the White House pic.twitter.com/IVivIeQIfc
— BNO News (@BNONews) August 5, 2022
A DC Metropolitan Police representative stated that James Mueller, 76, and Donna Mueller, 75, passed away as a result of their injuries after lightning struck Lafayette Park close to the White House on Thursday night. The Wisconsin-based couple was on vacation. Police reported that a 29-year-old man passed away from his wounds on Friday afternoon. The state of the other victim has not been made public.
The victims were taking refuge from the storm under a tree, according to a law enforcement source. Around 7 p.m. ET, the thunderstorm made landfall in the DC area. Karine Jean-Pierre, the press secretary for the White House, released a statement on Friday saying, “We are devastated by the unfortunate loss of life after the lightning strike in Lafayette Park.” “Our prayers are with those still battling for their lives, and our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones.” According to John Jensenius, a specialist with the National Lightning Safety Council, the three victims were the 10th, 11th, and 12th people to die in the United States as a result of lightning so far this year.
According to data from the previous 10 years, the US has experienced 16 lightning-related fatalities annually as of August 4th, Jensenius stated on Friday. He added that the deaths this week were the first in Washington since May 17, 1991, when lightning struck a tree at a lacrosse game, killing one person and injuring 10. This tragedy serves as a reminder that whenever a thunderstorm is forecasted, people should seek shelter immediately.
Even a faint thunderclap should act as a signal to enter a large structure or hard-topped metal right away, Jensenius penned. Images from the scene show victims next to a large tree, underscoring the danger of seeking cover under one. Lightning frequently strikes the tallest nearby object, which is frequently a tree. Vice president for City National Bank Brooks Lambertson, 29, was struck by lightning in Lafayette Park on Thursday night while on business in Washington, D.C., the bank said in a statement on Saturday.
In a press announcement, City National stated that Lambertson managed sponsorships for the bank and had prior marketing expertise with the Los Angeles Clippers. He resided in the heart of Los Angeles. According to the statement, Brooks was a great young man who will be remembered for his giving, friendliness, and unfailing positivity. Everyone who knew him is saddened by his sudden departure, and his family, friends, and coworkers are grateful for the many condolences that have been sent to them from throughout the country. According to officials, Secret Service and U.S. Park Police officers witnessed the lightning strike and hurried to administer first assistance.
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