Bank Vault Saves 24 People During Oklahoma Tornado; Bank Manager Is Hero For Insisting Customers Stay In Bank Vault[BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS]

A bank vault in Oklahoma saves 24 lives.  The bank vault at The Tinker Credit Union acted as a storm shelter during the worst hurricane every reported in the United States. The bank manager is now considered a hero for insisting people to stay in the bank vault, and not leave, during the tornado. Before and after pictures of the bank are astonishing as the photos reveal utter destruction. 

The bank vault at the Tinker Federal Credit Union in Moore, Okla. acted like a storm shelter and saved the lives of 24 people who were employees and members of the credit union who happened to be in the bank at the time the tornado struck.

Because there was little warning that a massive tornado had formed and was heading their way, it was business at usual at the Credit Union bank until police alerted them to take shelter. Employees quickly herded the eight customers and 14 employees in the building into the bank's secure vault.

The bank manager at that location is considered a hero for insisting that everyone get into the vault rather than leave the building or try to make it to another location.

14 employees and eight credit union members huddled in the branch's vault during the storm Monday afternoon. First responders released the quick-thinking survivors, unharmed, shortly after the storm dissipated. TFCU also notes that the bank employees were "following established safety procedures."

One of the customers, Dena Clark was one of the survivors in the vault. She couldn't say enough good things about the employees of this credit union, especially the bank manager, "who acted so heroically to keep everyone safe." She later posted astonishing before and after photos online.

All 24 survivors were astounded to discover that only the vault in which they had taken cover had survived the almost 200 mph winds, with the rest of the TFCU building in shambles all around them. Only the letter "F" was seen remaining on the face of the building which was bent and crumbling.

With all the heartbreaking stories emerging from the tornado event, it is beautiful to see a story of 24 people banding together, and a heroic manager taking swift action, to save their lived during the worst tornado in the nation's history.

The current tornado death toll in Okahoma stands at 24.