9/11 Timeline: The Attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City | History

Summary

On September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 struck the World Trade Center's North and South Towers, respectively, causing massive destruction and loss of life. The South Tower collapsed after 56 minutes, followed by the North Tower. The city's command center in WTC 7 burned for hours before collapsing, adding to the chaos. Amidst the devastation, emergency services and the Army Corps of Engineers worked tirelessly to rescue survivors and evacuate citizens. The day marked the longest and most tragic in New York's history.

Takeaways

• 🕗 **Time of Impact**: The first plane struck the North Tower at 8:46 a.m.
• 🛫 **Flight Details**: American Airlines Flight 11 from Boston, carrying 92 people, was the first to hit the World Trade Center.
• 🗼 **Second Impact**: United Airlines Flight 175 with 65 people on board hit the South Tower at 9:03 a.m.
• 💥 **South Tower Collapse**: The South Tower collapsed after 56 minutes at 9:59 a.m.
• 🏙️ **Citywide Response**: A coordinated citywide emergency response was initiated from the command center on the 23rd floor of 7 World Trade Center.
• 🚒 **Firefighters Trapped**: Hundreds of firefighters were trapped in the towers.
• 🏗️ **Collapse of 7 World Trade Center**: The building housing the command center burned for 7 hours and collapsed at 5:20 p.m.
• 🚨 **Emergency Services**: The NYPD reported 78 officers missing and estimated 200 firefighters dead.
• 🔍 **Search and Rescue**: Urban search and rescue teams worked to find survivors in the debris.
• 🌉 **Civilian Evacuation**: Residents evacuated the city, some crossing the Brooklyn Bridge or using vessels from the Army Corps of Engineers.
• 🕰️ **Length of Tragedy**: September 11, 2001, was the longest and most tragic day in New York's history.

Q & A

What was the initial reaction of the person who received the news about the plane hitting the World Trade Center?

The initial reaction was disbelief, thinking it was a small plane like a Piper Cub flown by a clown.

What was the flight number and origin of the plane that struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center?

The flight number was American Airlines flight 11, originating from Boston.

At what time did American Airlines flight 11 hit the North Tower, and how fast was it traveling?

American Airlines flight 11 hit the North Tower at 8:46 a.m., traveling at a speed of 470 mph.

How many minutes after the first impact did United Airlines flight 175 hit the South Tower?

United Airlines flight 175 hit the South Tower 13 minutes after the first impact.

What was the speed and the number of passengers aboard United Airlines flight 175 when it hit the South Tower?

United Airlines flight 175 was traveling at a speed of 590 mph with 65 passengers aboard when it hit the South Tower.

How long did the South Tower stand before collapsing after being struck by the plane?

The South Tower lasted only 56 minutes before collapsing at 9:59 a.m.

What was the condition of the city's Command Center located in World Trade Center 7 during the attacks?

The Command Center in World Trade Center 7 burned for 7 hours before collapsing at 5:20 p.m.

Who ordered the evacuation of World Trade Center 7, and what was the outcome of this order?

The order to evacuate was given by an unknown person, but it is believed to have saved many lives.

What was the situation in lower Manhattan following the collapse of the towers?

Lower Manhattan experienced power outages, jammed phone lines with over 230 million calls, and hundreds of firefighters were trapped.

How did some residents of New York City attempt to escape the city on September 11th?

Some residents walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, while others sought escape on vessels piloted by the Army Corps of Engineers.

What was the estimate of missing police officers and dead firefighters according to the New York Police Department?

The New York Police Department reported 78 officers missing and estimated 200 firefighters dead.

What efforts were made to find survivors in the rubble of the World Trade Center?

Urban search and rescue teams worked to search areas beneath the debris field, looking for voids that might contain survivors.