September 11, 2001 - As It Happened - The South Tower Attack

Summary

The transcript captures a harrowing account of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Eyewitnesses describe two planes striking the Twin Towers, followed by multiple explosions. The reactions are a mix of shock, horror, and disbelief as the events unfold live, with speculation of a deliberate terrorist attack. The narrative conveys the chaos, fear, and the immediate realization of the scale of the tragedy.

Takeaways

• 🚨 Multiple planes have crashed into the World Trade Center, indicating a deliberate attack.
• 🔥 There are reports of fire and smoke enveloping the top of the buildings, suggesting extensive damage.
• 👨‍🚒 Fire crews are responding to the scene, but the scale of the disaster poses significant challenges for firefighting efforts.
• 🏙 The buildings are heavily populated, raising concerns about a potentially high number of casualties.
• 📡 Live television coverage captures the events as they unfold, providing real-time updates to the public.
• 🛫 Eyewitnesses describe large commercial planes, possibly Airbus A320 or Boeing 737, being involved in the crashes.
• 🚨 The second plane crash into the South Tower is confirmed, escalating the situation to a major terrorist attack.
• 🏢 Both the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center are affected, with significant structural damage and fires.
• 🚔 There is mention of a possible evacuation and mobilization of emergency services, indicating the severity of the incident.
• 🔍 The FBI is investigating the possibility of terrorism, with the nature of the attacks suggesting a coordinated effort.

Q & A

What was the initial observation of the situation at the World Trade Center?

The initial observation was of fire and smoke enveloping the top of the building, with no immediate firefighting efforts visible at the top.

What was the reaction upon seeing a second plane hit the building?

There was shock and disbelief, with observers exclaiming 'oh my God' and recognizing that it looked like a deliberate attack on the World Trade Center.

How did the witnesses describe the planes that hit the buildings?

Witnesses described the planes as commercial jetliners, with one suggesting it could be an Airbus A320 or a Boeing 737.

What was the immediate assumption about the cause of the explosions?

The immediate assumption was that the explosions were not accidental, but rather part of a deliberate and concerted effort to attack the World Trade Center.

What was the reported impact of the events on the ground?

There was a lot of uncertainty and activity on the ground, with firefighting capabilities being challenged due to the height of the fires.

How did the observers react to the multiple explosions?

Observers reacted with repeated shock and horror, expressing disbelief and concern for the seriousness of the situation.

What was the speculated number of people in the buildings during the day?

It was speculated that upwards of 50,000 workers were in the Two Towers during the day.

What was the initial speculation about the nature of the attacks?

The initial speculation was that it was a terrorist attack, with observers drawing comparisons to what they had feared could happen.

How did the media personnel describe the scene as the events unfolded?

Media personnel described the scene with shock and disbelief, using phrases like 'unbelievable' and 'on purpose' to emphasize the deliberate nature of the attacks.

What was the reported response of the authorities?

There was mention of the FBI investigating the possibility of terrorism, and the expectation of a full mobilization of emergency services.

What was the emotional impact of the events on the observers?

The emotional impact was profound, with observers expressing shock, horror, and fear, and some even screaming in response to the unfolding events.

Outlines

00:00

🚨 Terrorist Attack on World Trade Center

The paragraph describes a live report of a terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York. The reporter details multiple explosions and planes crashing into the Twin Towers. There is confusion and shock as the events unfold, with the reporter and others speculating that it is a deliberate act of terrorism. The scene is chaotic with fire, smoke, and subsequent explosions. The reporter mentions the challenges faced by emergency services in responding to the disaster at such a height and the potential for significant casualties given the number of people in the buildings.

05:01

🔥 Multiple Plane Crashes into the Twin Towers

This paragraph continues the live coverage of the World Trade Center attack, focusing on the second plane crash into the South Tower. The reporter expresses disbelief and horror as the incident is confirmed to be a deliberate act, likely a terrorist attack. The paragraph also includes reactions from witnesses and the reporter's speculations about the type of plane involved. There is mention of the FBI investigating the possibility of terrorism, and the reporter reflects on the gravity of the situation, comparing it to a movie scene due to its shocking nature.

Keywords

💡Fire and Smoke

Fire and smoke are key indicators of a destructive event, such as a fire or explosion. In the context of the video, they signify the catastrophic impact of the planes hitting the World Trade Center buildings. The script describes an increasing amount of fire and smoke enveloping the top of the building, indicating the severity of the situation and the potential danger to the structure and its occupants.

💡Fire Crews

Fire crews are teams of firefighters who are trained to respond to emergencies involving fires, explosions, or other hazardous situations. The script mentions fire crews descending on the area, highlighting their critical role in responding to the disaster and attempting to control the fires and save lives. Their presence underscores the urgency and scale of the emergency.

💡Concerted Effort

A concerted effort refers to a coordinated and deliberate action taken by a group. In the video's narrative, the term is used to describe the seemingly intentional and simultaneous attacks on the World Trade Center, suggesting a planned and organized act rather than a random event. This term contributes to the understanding that the incident was likely a terrorist attack.

💡Explosion

An explosion is a rapid expansion of gases resulting from a chemical reaction, often accompanied by a loud noise and the release of energy. The script describes multiple explosions, which are critical moments in the video's narrative, indicating the force and impact of the planes hitting the buildings. These explosions symbolize the violence and destruction of the attacks.

💡World Trade Center

The World Trade Center was a complex of buildings in Lower Manhattan, New York City, which was a major global financial hub. The video script repeatedly references the World Trade Center, emphasizing its significance as the target of the attacks. The mention of the World Trade Center in the script highlights the scale and impact of the event on a global level.

💡Terrorist Attack

A terrorist attack is a deliberate act of violence against civilians or non-combatants with the primary purpose of inciting fear and achieving a political, religious, or ideological goal. The script suggests that the incidents at the World Trade Center were acts of terrorism, based on the deliberate nature of the plane crashes and the scale of destruction. This term is central to understanding the video's theme of a coordinated and devastating act of violence.

💡Evacuation

Evacuation refers to the organized removal of people from a dangerous area to a safer location. In the context of the video, the term is associated with the immediate response to the attacks, indicating the need to get people out of the World Trade Center and surrounding areas to safety. The mention of evacuation reflects the urgency and the potential for further danger.

💡Emergency Command Center

An emergency command center is a facility responsible for coordinating responses to emergencies or disasters. The script implies that an emergency command center would be mobilized in response to the attacks, highlighting the need for a centralized response to manage the crisis effectively. This term underscores the complexity of the situation and the necessity for organized action.

💡Choppers

Choppers, or helicopters, are used for various purposes, including news reporting, transportation, and emergency services. The script mentions choppers arriving at the scene, which likely includes news helicopters providing live coverage and possibly emergency services helicopters assisting in the response. The use of choppers in the script illustrates the media's role in documenting the event and the multifaceted response to the disaster.

💡Live Television

Live television refers to broadcasting events in real-time, without delay. The script mentions the unfolding events being seen on live television, emphasizing the immediacy and shock of the attacks as they were happening. This term highlights the collective experience of witnessing the disaster as it occurred, contributing to the emotional impact and the historical significance of the event.

💡Debris

Debris refers to fragments or scattered remains, often the result of an explosion or collapse. The script describes debris from the explosions raining down onto neighboring streets, illustrating the widespread effects of the attacks and the potential danger to people in the vicinity. The mention of debris serves to convey the magnitude of the destruction and the chaos of the scene.

Highlights

Fire and smoke enveloping the top of the building with no immediate firefighting effort visible.

Witness reports of a second plane hitting the World Trade Center, suggesting a deliberate attack.

Observers describe a plane coming in from the side and causing a second explosion.

A third plane hits the World Trade Center, confirming a coordinated attack on the buildings.

A fourth explosion occurs, this time in the East Tower, indicating a widespread assault.

Commentators speculate that the events are likely a terrorist attack of unprecedented scale.

Reports of another plane hitting Tower 2, further emphasizing the deliberate nature of the attacks.

A fifth explosion is witnessed, adding to the chaos and destruction.

Live television captures a plane hitting the second tower, marking a shocking and unprecedented event.

Estimates suggest the planes involved are commercial jets, possibly Airbus A320 or Boeing 737.

Multiple explosions are reported, indicating a complex and coordinated series of attacks.

A sixth explosion occurs, adding to the growing sense of crisis and urgency.

Commentators express disbelief and shock, comparing the scene to a movie due to its surreal nature.

The World Trade Center, home to 50,000 workers, is under siege, highlighting the potential scale of the disaster.

A seventh explosion is reported, further escalating the situation.

The FBI is investigating the possibility of terrorism, as the nature of the attacks becomes clearer.

The emotional reaction of the commentators reflects the gravity and horror of the unfolding events.

A final explosion is described, marking the culmination of a series of deliberate and devastating attacks.

Transcripts

it appears that the there is more and

more fire and smoke enveloping the very

top of the building and as fire crews

are descending on this

area it it does not appear that there's

any kind of an effort Up There Yet now

remember oh my God my God that looks

like a second

planear I did not see a plane go in that

that just exploded we just saw another

plane coming in from the side you did I

did that was out and that's the second

explosion you could see the plane come

in just from the right hand side of the

screen so this looks like it is some

sort of a

concerted effort to attack the World

Trade Center that is underway in

downtown New York did you hear the

explosion from your position yes we did

as a matter of fact we we heard it and

and cuz I was just like standing there

pretty much looking out the window I

didn't see what caused it or if there

was an impact so you have no idea right

oh there's another one another plane

just hit right oh my God another plane

has just hit it h another building flew

right into the middle of it explosion

right God it's right in the middle of

the building this one into the East

Tower yes yes right in the middle of the

building and right

now that yes that was definitely looked

like it was on purpose you saw a plane

yes I just saw a go into the building as

you look at the picture from our Chopper

now arriving at the scene uh Jim Friel

in Hoboken uh said it appeared to bank

sharply and smash directly perhaps

purposefully into oh my goodness there's

another

one oh oh my goodness there's another

one this seems to be on purpose oh my

goodness now you now it's obvious I

think that uh there's a second plane

just crashed into the World Trade Center

I think we have a terrorist Act of

proportions that we cannot begin to

imagine at this juncture we'll try to

get a better vantage point and see what

we can see on the ground it's a little

difficult from the air because the

buildings kind of Shadow the streets but

no doubt a lot of activity on the ground

right now and um in terms of the

firefighting capabilities when you get

up to this high level uh I assume the

firefighters have got to get up there

and uh you know fight it from inside

oh oh my goodness uh if you're taking a

look now you can see that we've just had

another explosion and that is

considerably lower and is that in the

other building is that what I'm

witnessing that that apparently does

look like it is in the other building at

this point no report of any casualties

uh without jumping to too many

conclusions looking at the extent of

this damage and uh knowing how well

populated that building is at that oh

there's another explosion down to the

left side on the second world Trade

Center Tower you see that uh that huge

ball of fire that just went up there I

know it's a it's quite a distant shot

but that looked to me to be happening at

number two World Trade Center at the

second World Trade Center Tower uh and

and it is at some distance there but

this is now a dramatic development on

the second World Trade Center Tower and

uh I I can't imagine that uh that there

would not be uh a serious evacuation and

uh uh a full mobilization now emergency

command center and so forth as the fire

department moves as much equipment as

possible to the World Trade Center a lot

of uh uncertainty right now as to what

is happening you can see there are

Choppers I believe that could be a

police helicopter that is oh wow we just

saw oh my goodness you looking at

another live picture right now oh my

goodness of what I believe was a plane

that just hit another plan

this not look like an accident of any

kind at this point another plane has hit

Tower 2 the Twin Towers um you hate to

say the words but what comes to mind

right now terrorist attack that is what

it looks like at this point um this is

something that you've seen on live

television just unfolding um haven't

seen anything like this ever before

develop on live television in New York

again your estimation what type of plane

did either an Airbus A320 Style or a

boing

737 okay where do you get your uh your

knowledge from how much time do you have

uh in in a another oh no exposion

explosions multiple explosions ladies

and gentlemen we just saw another

explosion uh

obviously we're just watching it again

as the first time this is now this is

the other Tower ladies and gentlemen

another explosion at Tower number two of

the World Trade Center just happened

live on our air the first uh that we

heard the impact only affecting Tower

one but as our uh our producers and

Reporting staff in the field is telling

us you can see now uh to the left of

your screen there is fire in the second

TOA just a little bit you can see right

at the bottom of the of the TV station

uh TV screen uh billowing smoke from a

bomb or explosion we do not know if it's

a bomb I'm speaking out of turn here a

second explosion that just happened the

first we understand was from an airplane

the second we have no idea no idea at

all at this point what has triggered it

um if we could take maybe a wider shot

to give us just a different vantage

point just to to try to gain a little

bit of perspective and there you can see

the situation unbelievable ladies and

Gentlemen The Two Towers are um home at

least during the day to upwards of

50,000 workers um I am reminded of a

couple of things that happened recently

Dr Gross not long ago uh just a couple

of within the last couple of weeks in

fact there was a pilot who

flew there was another one we just

saw we just saw another one we just saw

another one apparently

go another plane just flew into the

second tower this

raises this has to be deliberate folks

well that would begin to say that yeah

we just saw on live television as a

second plane flew

into the second tower of the World Trade

Center

[Applause]

[Applause]

oh my God the pain just crashed into the

building cannot believe

it oh my God from NPR news in Washington

I'm Jean Cochran two planes crashed into

the Twin Towers of the World Trade

Center in New York this morning about 20

to 30 minutes apart black smoke has been

pouring out of huge holes in the upper

portions of the building my goodness oh

my goodness oh my word oh my word I'm

sorry I

screamed that's on purpose Alfred

somebody's doing this on

purpose oh my goodness the first plane

crashed into the North Tower of the

Trade Center at around 8:50 this morning

Witnesses said this first plane looked

like a commercial jetliner shortly

afterward another plane hit the other

Tower causing another massive explosion

that was apparently a smaller plane

debris from the explosions rained down

onto neighboring streets just as many

people were heading to work there's no

word on whether the crashes might have

been some sort of Act of terrorism but

the FBI is investigating that

possibility oh my God my goodness a

second plane now has crashed into the

other Tower of the World Trade

Center obviously uh suicide uh terrorist

attack on the World Trade Center what we

have what we have been CH anybody what

we have been fearing uh for the longest

time here apparently has come to pass a

disastrous terrorist attack on the World

Trade Center both Towers planes smashing

into each one I I've never seen any it

looks like a movie I saw a large plane

like a vet go immediately headed

directly into the World Trade Center it

just flew into it into the into the

tower coming from south to North I

watched the plane fly into the World

Trade Center it was a jet it was a very

large plane it was going fast it went

past the r col Hotel this being built in

Battery Park it went flew right past it

almost hit it and then went in this is

so shocking of course to everybody

watching I I've never seen anything like

it it literally blew itself into World

Trade Center