A father (37) and son (5) remained in a critical condition on Wednesday morning after they were struck by lightning in the grounds of a school in Co Antrim on Tuesday.
The man’s 7-year-old daughter who was also struck by lightning is in a stable condition.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) received a report just before 2pm on Tuesday that a man had been struck by lightning in Lisburn.
When a rapid response paramedic and an accident and emergency crew arrived at the grounds of Killowen Primary School on the Laurelhill Road they discovered two children - the man's son and daughter (7)- had also been injured.
Further ambulance service staff were then sent to the scene.
"The male was taken to Lagan Valley Hospital in a critical condition and the children were taken to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children for treatment for burns," John McPoland from the NIAS said.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: “Our hearts go out to the people involved and their family.”
SDLP Councillor Pat Catney described what happened as a “freak tragic accident” that had left the local community stunned.
UUP Councillor Brian Bloomfield said he was shocked to learn of the incident but that he had noticed the heavy rain, flashes of lightning and thunder in the city throughout the afternoon.
“I am concerned and hope they make a full recovery,” he said.
“It is very unusual for people to be struck by lightning. Obviously it is very, very frightening. For this to happen to school children is all the more concerning.”
The principal of Killowen Primary School Fiona Douglas confirmed that the parent and two children were injured outside the school's main gate on Tuesday.
“School staff and parents attended to the injured family until the arrival of the emergency services,” she said.
“Following this all other pupils, accompanied by staff, went safely to nearby Laurel Hill Community College where they were collected by parents.
“The thoughts of the entire school community are with the family at this time.”
