PHOTOS; 20 children among at least 51 killed by vast Oklahoma tornado

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 from Monday’s mid-afternoon twister was almost certain to rise significantly when dawn broke in the devastated city of Moore, and as more bodies were taken to the Office of the Medical Examiner.

Elementary school children were among the many missing. Seven children drowned in a pool of water at Plaza Towers Elementary School, which was all but leveled.

At one hospital, 85 patients, including 65 children, were being treated for minor to critical injuries.

At the city’s St. Andrews United Methodist Church, parents listed as the names of surviving children were read out through a bullhorn Monday night, The Associated Press reported. While some families hugged each other as they were reunited, others were left to wait, fearing the worst as the night dragged on.

More photos after the cut................