Search Continues At Moore Elementary School Destroyed By Tornado

Monday was a fear-filled night for many parents in Moore, wondering if their children are alive as rescue crews dig through what used to be school buildings.

A number of schools in the area took a direct hit from the tornado. At a news conference earlier Governor Fallin said at least five schools were damaged by the tornado.

The tornado plowed through Plaza Towers Elementary School, demolishing part of the building and sending cars into what was left of the it.

Search and recovery crews are expected to work throughout the night.

5/20/2013 Related Story: Massive Tornado Kills 51 In Moore, Hits Elementary School

At least 20 children were confirmed dead by the state medical examiner, and many more students are still unaccounted for.

Across the city, portable lights have been set up, so search and rescue operations can continue.

About one mile away, Briarwood Elementary School was also hit hard by the tornado.

A teacher told our sister station News Nine that kids and staff took shelter in hallways and under desks before the storm hit.

Shortly after the tornado was over, parents rushed to the scene to search for their kids, while first responders dug kids and teachers out from the rubble.

Rescue workers passed the kids down a human chain and took them to a triage center set up in the school's parking lot.

One young student recalled to News 9 the moment the tornado hit her school.

"The tornado went in and I was so afraid that I was hanging onto one of the desks and then I fell back and then all the dirt started getting in my eyes and on my clothes," said 7-year-old girl Isabella Rojas.

Officials said there were minor injuries at Briarwood, but all students there are accounted for.

Complete Coverage: May 2013 Tornado Outbreak