Remembering 9/11, 20 years on: the two hours that changed America | AFP

Summary

This transcript reflects the harrowing experiences of individuals who witnessed and survived the September 11 attacks. It describes the chaos and fear felt by those in the North and South Towers, the Pentagon, and those in the streets of New York City as the attacks unfolded. The survivors recount the disbelief, confusion, and emotional toll of the day, as well as the bravery of first responders and passengers. The lasting impact of 9/11 on survivors is evident as they reflect on how their lives and perspectives were forever altered by the events.

Takeaways

• 😀 The moment the first explosion occurred at the North Tower, it was a shocking and surreal experience, with flickering lights and confusion before the evacuation order was given.
• 😀 The destruction in the North Tower was immense, with massive holes in the building and thick plumes of smoke pouring out, causing immediate shock and disbelief.
• 😀 The speaker was located just below the strike zone in the South Tower when the second plane hit, and the building shook violently, signaling the danger of the situation.
• 😀 First responders, including police, firefighters, and paramedics, were seen heading up to the upper floors with a resigned sense of duty, knowing that they were unlikely to return.
• 😀 In the Pentagon, the initial thought was that a bomb had caused the explosion, but the idea that a plane could be used as a weapon was difficult to fathom at first.
• 😀 The speaker's experience during the collapse of the South Tower was surreal, with the building disappearing in a cloud of smoke so rapidly it felt like a magic trick.
• 😀 The streets of New York were filled with people running in panic as dust and debris filled the air, and a sense of resignation set in as many believed they were facing death.
• 😀 Survivors reflected on the tragic loss of colleagues, including those trapped in the upper floors of the towers, who desperately tried to call 911 before the buildings collapsed.
• 😀 After the crash of Flight 93, the wreckage was so extensive that there were no survivors, and the area became sacred ground, covered in debris over a large area.
• 😀 The aftermath of the attacks left an emotional and psychological impact on survivors, with many still processing the events years later and staying in touch with those who shared the experience.
• 😀 The survivors acknowledged the bravery of those who fought to save others, understanding that their survival was due to sheer luck, while others, including the heroes of Flight 93, helped prevent even greater loss.

Q & A

What was the immediate reaction when the lights flickered in the room?

The initial reaction was one of confusion and surprise, as the individuals in the room could not see, hear, or feel anything specific at first. The flicker of light was the only indication of something wrong before the explosion in the North Tower was reported.

How did the witness feel when they saw the damage to the North Tower?

The witness described feeling shock and disbelief when they saw huge black holes in the side of the North Tower with thick black and gray smoke pouring out. They were initially confused as to how the plane missed hitting the building.

What did the witness observe from the street near the World Trade Center?

From the intersection of Church and Chamber Streets, the witness could see the damage to the North Tower and noted people waving tablecloths and napkins from the windows of Windows on the World, which seemed like a cry for help.

What was the witness's experience during the collapse of the South Tower?

As the South Tower collapsed, the witness saw it disappear into a cloud of smoke. The speed of the collapse was likened to a magic trick, and it left people running in panic through the streets to escape the debris.

What emotions did the witness experience while trying to escape the debris cloud after the collapse?

The witness felt a mixture of resignation and disbelief as the air became thick with smoke and dust. They struggled to breathe and began mentally preparing for the possibility that they might not survive.

How did the witness react to the sounds and the impact of the plane hitting the Pentagon?

At the Pentagon, the witness initially thought the explosion might have been a bomb, as it was hard to fathom how a plane could be used as a weapon. The impact led to chaos and confusion as people evacuated.

What role did emergency services play in the events, and how were they perceived by the witness?

The emergency responders, including police and firefighters, were seen as brave, knowing they were heading into a dangerous situation with little chance of success. Their expressions conveyed a sense of duty despite the overwhelming odds.

What did the witness mean by feeling 'frozen in time' after the collapse of the first tower?

The witness felt a sense of paralysis and disbelief after witnessing the collapse, as if they were suspended in time and unable to fully process the enormity of the events unfolding around them.

How did the witness describe their emotions and thoughts after the dust settled?

After the dust settled, the witness described being in 'reactive mode,' with little time to reflect on the situation due to the urgency of survival and the overwhelming chaos. The events were too fast and intense to allow for personal reflection.

How did the witness process the events years later, especially on the anniversary?

Years later, the witness continues to reflect on the events, feeling a deep emotional impact, especially on the anniversary. They mentioned that the experience shaped their outlook on life, and although time has passed, the emotions remain strong and unresolved.