Seven killed as large tornado roars through Iowa

A utility worker tends to a downed traffic light in Des Moines, Iowa (Bryon Houlgrave/The Des Moines Register/AP)

Seven people were killed, including two children, when a tornado swept through central Iowa, damaging buildings and knocking down trees and power lines, authorities said.

Emergency management officials in Madison County said four were injured and six people were killed on Saturday when the tornado touched down in the area southwest of Des Moines at about 4.30pm. Among those killed were two children and four adults.