Rescue teams combed through pulverized buildings and splintered homes early Tuesday after one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history blasted through the suburbs of Oklahoma City, killing at least 51 people — including 20 children.
Officials warned that the death toll was almost certain to rise significantly as day broke over what was left of the shattered city of Moore. Entire blocks appeared as though they had been razed, and cars were mangled beyond recognition. At least 120 people were injured.
Children were among the many missing after the tornado struck Monday afternoon and delivered a direct hit to two elementary schools. Seven children drowned in a pool of water at Plaza Towers Elementary School, which was all but leveled. The twister also laid waste to a hospital.
“It’s absolutely huge. It’s horrific,” Gov. Mary Fallin said on NBC’s TODAY. “It looked like somebody set off something that destroyed structures. Not blocks, but miles.”
More from Erin McClam and Alastair Jamieson@ NBC News
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