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 Beyonce leaves national anthem unfinished. A Texas man's disappearance is fodder for true-crime mania. Cancer claims the life of an MLB champ at 44. It's an epic farewell to the gods of metal. Report an error