Dust storm roars into Iran, killing at least 4

30 injured in Tehran after winds of over 110 kilometers per hour hit capital; a chain-reaction crash involves 20 cars

By AP 2 June 2014, 10:17 pm 2

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A picture taken with a smartphone shows a sandstorm engulfing the Iranian capital Tehran on June 02, 2014. (photo credit: AFP PHOTO/STR)

TEHRAN, Iran — A heavy dust storm roared into Iran’s capital Monday, blacking out the sun in a swirling cloud and tearing down trees in a squall that reportedly killed at least four people and injured 30.

The storm struck Tehran with winds of up to 110 kilometers per hour (68 mph), state television reported. Its report said the storm killed five people, while Iran’s official IRNA news agency said it killed four people as winds hit 130 kilometers per hour (80 mph). The discrepancy could not immediately be reconciled.

The storm broke trees and plunged the capital into darkness for several minutes. It also caused a chain-reaction crash involving 20 vehicles on a highway south of the capital and international flights were canceled, according to the TV report. Air traffic controllers diverted several domestic flights to central Iran.

Authorities asked children and the elderly, as well as those with heart problems, to remain indoors due to the dust.

The TV report said heavy winds also engulfed parts of central Iran, but no casualties were reported there.