WASHINGTON, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Two people died after they were critically injured by a lightning strike near the White House, in the U.S. capital on Thursday evening, police said on Friday.
Two visitors from Janesville, Wisconsin -- both in their 70s -- succumbed to their injuries caused by the lightning strike in Lafayette Square just north of the White House.
The lightning strike also injured two other people, whose conditions were not immediately clear.
Emergency personnel previously said all four "had critical life-threatening injuries."
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre issued a statement on Friday, saying that they are "saddened by the tragic loss of life" after the lightning strike in Lafayette Park.
"Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones, and we are praying for those still fighting for their lives," the statement read.
The U.S. National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Washington, D.C., area Thursday evening.
There is a high probability of more severe thunderstorms on Friday, according to local authorities. ■