US | Oklahoma Okla. Coroner Drops Death Toll to 24 Including 7 kids, but fatalities still expected to rise By Rob Quinn Posted May 21, 2013 1:42 AM CDT Updated May 21, 2013 9:14 AM CDT Copied This aerial photo shows damage to Plaza Towers Elementary School after it was hit by a massive tornado in Moore, Oklahoma yesterday. (AP Photo/Steve Gooch) The Oklahoma state medical examiner's office has dramatically dropped the confirmed death toll in yesterday's horrific tornado to 24, reports the AP. A spokeswoman said that some bodies were apparently counted twice in the chaotic aftermath of the storm, and that confusion was exacerbated by knocked-out communication lines. Seven children are among the dead, and the ME's office says the overall death toll is still expected to climb as rescue teams continue to search through rubble. Officials had initially reported 51 deaths. Click for more. Read These Next Mark Zuckerberg's 'list' has Silicon Valley buzzing. Hall of Famer Dave Parker dies IAEA chief downplays damage to Iran nuclear sites. Tillis, who opposes Trump bill, won't seek reelection. Report an error