TEHRAN, June 2 (UPI) -- A rare sandstorm struck Tehran, the capital of Iran, on Monday, killing at least four people and injuring at least 30.
Witnesses said the sky turned orange from thick sand in the air, and wind speeds up 110 kilometers per hour (70 mph) were recorded. A sandstorm of this magnitude is considered unusual for the city.
A shopkeeper said he closed the shutters of his store to prevent damage, but a tree fell and pushed the broken windows inward.
The storm caused downed power lines and traffic accidents, and diverted airline flights due to decreased visibility. Some of the deaths were caused by falling trees.
Although the Iranian state television reported five people were killed, the state-run Inra news agency said the number was four.
