Moore Medical Center Demolished After Tornado Damage

MOORE, Okla. — On June 25, demolition crews began tearing down the remains of Moore Medical Center, which was destroyed in an EF5 tornado that swept through Moore, Okla., on May 20. About 200 employees, former patients and residents gathered outside the medical center, owned by Norman Regional Health System (NRHS), for a walking tour of the wreckage and a remembrance ceremony before the building was destroyed.

When the tornado struck, about 170 employees and 30 patients were inside the 45-bed hospital. Its cafeteria served as shelter for an estimated 300 people. About an hour before the tornado struck, an issue was warned for the facility’s blinds to be drawn and patients to be prepared for movement. About 15 minutes after that, patients and staff were moved to the cafeteria.

Because the hospital had an emergency plan in place, no fatalities or injuries were reported from those sheltering at the hospital, even though the building suffered damages to the ceiling and exterior façade. Structural engineers and insurance adjusters deemed the medical center a “total loss.” The Norman Transcript reported that Norman Regional Hospital Authority declared the situation an emergency, which waived bidding requirements for recovery, salvage and demolition costs.

While the current structure is being demolished, the Associated Press reported that NRHS’ President and CEO David Whitaker promises they will rebuild. The type of replacement facility is still to be determined, but an advisory committee, including Moore city officials, is being created to make recommendations to the health system’s board of directors about what kind of facility should be offered and where it might be located.

About 200 people worked full time at the medical center, and most of them will be given work at two area hospitals in Norman, Okla.

The tornado killed 24 people and injured more than 300.