May 11, 2008 01:45 pm
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PICHER, Okla. — Rescue and recovery operations are continuing today following a storm that killed at six people, according to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. One child and five adults were killed by Saturday evening’s storm, according to Michelann Ooten, agency spokesperson.
Picher Mayor Sam Freeman said this morning that at least six Picher residents were still unaccounted for.
A body recovery operation has been set up near the community’s wastewater lagoon. One body was recovered at a tree near the lagoon and three cars were thrown into the lagoon, according to officials. Divers are conducting recovery operations in the lagoon.
Thirty people were hospitalized at Integris Baptist Regional Health Center and 20 of those were treated and dismissed.
U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., visited Picher earlier this morning and Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry is expected to there this afternoon.
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