Demolition Tests Storm Shelter Durability In Norman

An excavator tore down an aging former school on Friday, but it was what was inside that drew a crowd of onlookers.

The machinery tore down concrete walls and ceilings with ease. What was left at the end was a lot of debris and a strategically placed steel storm shelter.

Officials with Little Axe Public Schools watched in awe as their former middle school was destroyed and the shelter left in place.

The destruction was part of a planned demonstration to see how well the above-ground storm shelter, made by Oklahoma-based Hide-Away Shelter, could withstand the power of a demolition.

Little Axe Public School Superintendent Tony Smith said the district is looking at various options to protect students following two tornadoes in the area in the past few years.