Massive tornado devastates Oklahoma, 6 confirmed dead, rescue team searching school for survivors
At least six people were killed and a number of other people were injured when a storm with a massive tornado struck an area outside Oklahoma City on Monday afternoon, officials said.
At least one school in Moore, Oklahoma, appeared to have been hit by the tornado. Emergency personnel were scouring the school’s rubble Monday evening.
Two elementary schools were destroyed, and an untold number of homes and businesses sustained heavy damage near the cities of Moore, Newcastle and Oklahoma City. CNN reported that rescue crews swarmed over Plaza Towers Elementary School, where 75 students and staff had sought refuge in a hallway.
The bodies of six people who died as a result of the storm that hit he Oklahoma City area Monday were being sent to Oklahoma’s office of the chief medical examiner, the office’s Amy Elliott told CNN.
Fourth, fifth and sixth grade students were evacuated to a church about a quarter-mile away from the 440-student school before the tornado touched down.
Students in kindergarten through third grade sheltered in place, according to NBC station KFOR.
The other school hit by the tornado was Briarwood Elementary School in Oklahoma City. Local newscasters reported that children were trapped inside.
The National Weather Service reported that destructive hail the size of tennis balls is expected throughout the afternoon. Severe storms are expected to continue through the afternoon and evening.
Photo: screenshot CNN coverage here
