11 struck by lightning in a Paris park, including children at a birthday party

Eight children and three adults in Paris were struck by lightning Saturday after a sudden spring storm sent bolts crashing down upon a children’s birthday party in a city park, a fire official said.

The people had sought shelter under a tree at Park Monceau, a popular weekend hangout for well-to-do families in Paris.

Paris fire service spokesman Eric Moulin said six of those struck were seriously injured, including four children and two adults — and four of them were in life-threatening condition. He said five others had been slightly injured by the lightning, including four children.

An off-duty firefighter visiting a nearby museum ran immediately to the scene and saw nine of the 11 who had been struck prone on the ground under the tree, Moulin told the Associated Press. The firefighter administered first aid, including heart massages, and helped direct rescuers to the scene.

“He saw who was the most seriously wounded. He did a quick triage of the victims. He did first aid. He alerted the rescue services,” Moulin said. “Without his actions, it would have been much worse.”

He gave the children’s ages as around 9.

Interested in the stories shaping California? Sign up for the free Essential California newsletter >>

One Paris resident who lives near the park and saw the lightning crash down said it was rare to see such a wild storm hitting the French capital.

“It was dramatic,” Jean-Louis Laurens said.

ALSO

In the Philippines, orphans feel the sting of bureaucracy

Turkish premier says it’s ‘unacceptable’ for U.S. troops to wear Kurdish insignia

Britain’s vote on whether to remain in the European Union may rank as its most important decision in decades

UPDATES:

10:48 a.m.: This article was updated throughout with additional information.

This article was originally posted at 8:34 a.m.