Lightning injures several in France and Germany

More than 40 people, most of them children, have been
injured by lightning strikes, at a park in Paris and a football
match in Germany.
Lightning struck a birthday party in Parc Monceau in Paris,
injuring 11 people, mostly children. Three victims are in a life-
threatening condition.
They were struck after seeking shelter under a tree, police say.
Lightning also hit a children's football match in Hoppstaedten,
leaving 35 people injured, including adults.
There were no dark clouds and the sky was blue when
lightning struck at the end of the match, witnesses said.
The referee was among three people who suffered serious
injuries. Eleven children and two parents were also taken to
hospital.
The children injured in Parc Monceau had an average age of
nine, police said.
An off-duty firefighter helped with first aid and heart
massages. Officials said the situation would have been much
worse if he had not been there.
Torrential rain also halted play at the French Open as
defending champion Serena Williams was about to start a
match against Kristina Mladenovic.