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.