Several dead as massive sandstorm hits Tehran

Forecasters warned Tehranis to stay indoors, just before the ISNA news agency confirmed that fatalities had been caused by falling trees

A massive sandstorm and record winds killed at least five people in Tehran, plunging the Iranian capital into darkness, knocking out power supplies, damaging buildings and causing massive disruption.

The freak weather struck at 5:10 pm (1240 GMT), sending residents dashing for cover as debris swept across streets and snapped trees. State media reported 110 kilometre (70-mile) per hour winds.