WEBVTT FILE 1 00:00:02.000 --> 00:00:07.000 Downloaded from YTS.MX 2 00:00:08.000 --> 00:00:13.000 Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX 3 00:02:00.600 --> 00:02:02.700 It began as a day like any other. 4 00:02:03.960 --> 00:02:06.493 The sun rose over New York City, casting 5 00:02:06.494 --> 00:02:08.860 its first light over a city in motion. 6 00:02:09.480 --> 00:02:12.133 A city of nearly nine million lives intertwined 7 00:02:12.134 --> 00:02:14.300 in a routine as familiar as breathing. 8 00:02:18.040 --> 00:02:20.420 The world was alive with routine. 9 00:02:20.760 --> 00:02:22.653 Parents hurrying to get their kids ready for 10 00:02:22.654 --> 00:02:25.693 school, office workers making their way into towering 11 00:02:25.694 --> 00:02:31.093 buildings, travelers settling into seats, fastening seatbelts for 12 00:02:31.094 --> 00:02:33.340 flights that would carry them across the country. 13 00:02:35.400 --> 00:02:38.700 Here, people gathered their dreams and their futures, 14 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:42.340 entwined in the tapestry of a city that never stopped moving. 15 00:02:52.920 --> 00:02:55.013 As the morning light painted buildings and streets 16 00:02:55.014 --> 00:02:58.053 in warm hues, lives intersected in the shadow 17 00:02:58.054 --> 00:03:02.220 of New York's iconic towers, reminders of the heights people could reach. 18 00:03:03.640 --> 00:03:06.940 Below them, the city's arteries pulsed with energy, 19 00:03:07.160 --> 00:03:10.173 a vibrant mosaic of languages, cultures and stories 20 00:03:10.174 --> 00:03:14.180 woven together into the fabric of a place adored around the world. 21 00:03:17.320 --> 00:03:19.300 But this was no ordinary day. 22 00:03:19.800 --> 00:03:23.940 In a single moment, that rhythm would break and everything would change. 23 00:03:24.840 --> 00:03:28.813 This is the story of New York on that day, and the lives that were forever 24 00:03:28.814 --> 00:03:30.260 altered in its wake. 25 00:03:35.960 --> 00:03:39.933 It is 8a.m. in Salisbury, North Carolina, 7 a.m. in Chicago, 5 a 26 00:03:39.934 --> 00:03:42.053 ...m. in Calaveras County, California, where the news 27 00:03:42.054 --> 00:03:45.013 is being made on this Tuesday, September 11th. 28 00:03:45.014 --> 00:03:49.213 For the second time in two weeks, the U.S. has lost an unmanned spy plane over Iraq. 29 00:03:49.214 --> 00:03:51.093 A definite new look for you. 30 00:03:51.094 --> 00:03:52.220 What are you going for? 31 00:03:52.560 --> 00:03:53.653 What am I going for? 32 00:03:53.654 --> 00:03:58.460 The of Congo, three years, two and a half million dead. 33 00:03:59.000 --> 00:04:00.620 We thought you should know. 34 00:04:07.240 --> 00:04:11.253 We want to tell you what we know as we know it, but we just got a report. 35 00:04:11.254 --> 00:04:16.540 He was absolutely the most amazing man that America has ever created, ever. 36 00:04:16.640 --> 00:04:19.220 Okay. I have got to interrupt you right now. 37 00:04:19.560 --> 00:04:20.813 Richard Hack, thank you very much. 38 00:04:20.814 --> 00:04:22.133 We appreciate it. The book is called Hughes. 39 00:04:22.134 --> 00:04:25.733 We want to go live right now and show you a picture of the World Trade 40 00:04:25.734 --> 00:04:29.180 Center, where I understand, do we have it? 41 00:04:29.440 --> 00:04:30.700 No, we do not. 42 00:04:31.760 --> 00:04:33.453 We have a breaking story, though. 43 00:04:33.454 --> 00:04:35.093 We're going to come back with that in just a moment. 44 00:04:35.094 --> 00:04:36.660 First, this is today on NBC. 45 00:04:43.680 --> 00:04:45.620 American 11, Boston. 46 00:04:49.400 --> 00:04:53.320 American 11, the American on the frequency, how do you hear me? 47 00:04:58.640 --> 00:05:00.180 This is Adam. 48 00:05:00.400 --> 00:05:01.013 This is Boston. 49 00:05:01.014 --> 00:05:03.053 I turned American 20 left and I was going to climb. 50 00:05:03.054 --> 00:05:04.700 He will not respond to me now. 51 00:05:04.960 --> 00:05:06.493 It looks like he's turning right. 52 00:05:06.494 --> 00:05:07.813 Yeah, I turned him 20 right. 53 00:05:07.814 --> 00:05:12.140 - Oh, okay. - And he's only going to, I think, 29. 54 00:05:20.320 --> 00:05:23.133 Number 3 in the back, the cockpit's not answering. 55 00:05:23.134 --> 00:05:25.180 Somebody's stabbed in business class. 56 00:05:25.600 --> 00:05:28.573 And I think there's mace that we can't breathe. 57 00:05:28.574 --> 00:05:29.293 I don't know. 58 00:05:29.294 --> 00:05:30.573 I think we're getting hijacked. 59 00:05:30.574 --> 00:05:32.100 Which flight are you on? 60 00:05:32.400 --> 00:05:33.400 Flight 12. 61 00:05:34.480 --> 00:05:36.060 And what seat are you in? 62 00:05:39.400 --> 00:05:40.660 Ma'am, are you there? 63 00:05:41.960 --> 00:05:42.960 Yes. 64 00:05:43.360 --> 00:05:45.460 What seat are you in? 65 00:05:48.040 --> 00:05:49.700 Ma'am, what seat are you in? 66 00:05:50.480 --> 00:05:51.973 We just left Boston. 67 00:05:51.974 --> 00:05:53.053 We're up in the air. 68 00:05:53.054 --> 00:05:56.853 We're supposed to go to L.A. And the cockpit's not answering their phone. 69 00:05:56.854 --> 00:05:58.413 Okay, but what seat are you sitting in? 70 00:05:58.414 --> 00:05:59.900 What's the number of your seat? 71 00:06:00.520 --> 00:06:02.413 Okay, I'm in my jump seat right now. 72 00:06:02.414 --> 00:06:03.980 - Okay. - At 3R. 73 00:06:04.920 --> 00:06:06.660 Okay, you're the flight attendant? 74 00:06:10.680 --> 00:06:13.560 I'm sorry, did you say you're the flight attendant? 75 00:06:14.800 --> 00:06:15.453 Hello? 76 00:06:15.454 --> 00:06:17.420 Yes, what is your name? 77 00:06:17.840 --> 00:06:19.093 You're going to have to speak up. 78 00:06:19.094 --> 00:06:19.893 I can't hear you. 79 00:06:19.894 --> 00:06:21.460 Sure, what is your name? 80 00:06:21.720 --> 00:06:23.380 Okay, my name is Betty Ong. 81 00:06:23.560 --> 00:06:25.900 I'm number 3 on flight 11. 82 00:06:26.200 --> 00:06:27.200 Okay. 83 00:06:28.800 --> 00:06:31.620 And the cockpit is not answering their phone. 84 00:06:32.280 --> 00:06:34.453 And there's somebody stabbed in business class. 85 00:06:34.454 --> 00:06:36.613 And we can't breathe in business class. 86 00:06:36.614 --> 00:06:38.220 Somebody's got mace or something. 87 00:06:38.320 --> 00:06:41.420 Our number 1 has been stabbed and our 5 has been stabbed. 88 00:06:43.440 --> 00:06:47.100 Can anybody get up to the cockpit? 89 00:06:49.200 --> 00:06:50.813 We can't even get into the cockpit. 90 00:06:50.814 --> 00:06:52.380 We don't know who's up there. 91 00:06:52.680 --> 00:06:54.053 Is anybody still there? 92 00:06:54.054 --> 00:06:55.573 Yes, we're still here. 93 00:06:55.574 --> 00:06:56.573 Okay. 94 00:06:56.574 --> 00:06:58.493 I'm staying on the line as well. 95 00:06:58.494 --> 00:06:59.559 Okay. 96 00:06:59.560 --> 00:07:02.340 Have you guys called anyone else? 97 00:07:02.880 --> 00:07:03.880 No. 98 00:07:04.040 --> 00:07:07.140 Somebody's calling medical and we can't get a... 99 00:07:11.720 --> 00:07:14.780 American Airlines Emergency Line, please state your emergency. 100 00:07:15.120 --> 00:07:17.013 Hey, this is Knitted American Airlines calling. 101 00:07:17.014 --> 00:07:19.373 I am monitoring a call in which flight 102 00:07:19.374 --> 00:07:22.373 11, the flight attendant is advising our reps 103 00:07:22.374 --> 00:07:24.653 that the pilot, everyone's been stabbed. 104 00:07:24.654 --> 00:07:26.500 30-mana, 6-7-4-0. 105 00:07:28.840 --> 00:07:31.020 Is that American 11 trying to call? 106 00:07:31.160 --> 00:07:35.340 Buddy, we have some planes. 107 00:07:35.600 --> 00:07:37.493 Just stay quiet and you'll be okay. 108 00:07:37.494 --> 00:07:38.780 We're heading to the airport. 109 00:07:39.600 --> 00:07:41.980 15-7-4-0 going to Hampton. 110 00:07:42.480 --> 00:07:44.540 And who's trying to call me here? 111 00:07:50.920 --> 00:07:52.860 American 11, are you trying to call? 112 00:07:53.200 --> 00:07:54.333 Nobody moves. 113 00:07:54.334 --> 00:07:55.940 Everything will be okay. 114 00:07:56.600 --> 00:08:00.660 If he tries to make any moves, he'll injure himself and the airplane. 115 00:08:01.000 --> 00:08:02.220 Just stay quiet. 116 00:08:07.560 --> 00:08:09.213 Hi, Boston Center, TMU. 117 00:08:09.214 --> 00:08:10.653 We have a problem here. 118 00:08:10.654 --> 00:08:13.173 We have a hijacked aircraft headed towards New 119 00:08:13.174 --> 00:08:17.613 York and we need you guys to... We need someone to scramble some F-16s 120 00:08:17.614 --> 00:08:18.733 or something up there. 121 00:08:18.734 --> 00:08:19.860 Help us out. 122 00:08:26.280 --> 00:08:27.540 Oh shit! 123 00:08:32.760 --> 00:08:34.460 Oh shit! 124 00:08:37.560 --> 00:08:38.560 Shit! 125 00:08:49.320 --> 00:08:51.880 Kennedy Tower reports... Are you serious? 126 00:08:52.040 --> 00:08:54.740 Kennedy Tower reports that there was a fire 127 00:08:55.240 --> 00:08:57.460 at the World Trade Center. 128 00:08:59.280 --> 00:09:02.280 And that's the area where we lost the airplane. 129 00:09:03.160 --> 00:09:05.540 Oh, shit! 130 00:09:06.800 --> 00:09:09.340 Oh, shit! 131 00:09:15.960 --> 00:09:16.973 Oh, my God! 132 00:09:16.974 --> 00:09:18.040 Oh, shit! 133 00:09:19.720 --> 00:09:21.780 Oh, my God! 134 00:09:21.960 --> 00:09:22.773 Oh, shit! 135 00:09:22.774 --> 00:09:24.100 Oh, my God! 136 00:09:24.640 --> 00:09:26.820 - Oh, shit! - Oh my God! 137 00:09:35.440 --> 00:09:38.053 This just in, you were looking at obviously 138 00:09:38.054 --> 00:09:40.013 a very disturbing live shot there. 139 00:09:40.014 --> 00:09:41.580 That is the World Trade Center. 140 00:09:41.840 --> 00:09:46.020 Apparently, a plane has crashed into the World Trade Center in New York. 141 00:09:57.520 --> 00:10:00.813 8.46 a.m. Five hijackers deliberately crashed 142 00:10:00.814 --> 00:10:04.700 American Airlines Flight 11 into the World Trade Center's North Tower. 143 00:10:10.720 --> 00:10:12.813 Oblivious to what was about to happen, 100 144 00:10:12.814 --> 00:10:15.293 innocent people were attending a conference in the 145 00:10:15.294 --> 00:10:18.340 Windows on the World restaurant at the top of the North Tower. 146 00:10:19.680 --> 00:10:22.453 Among them was 31-year-old Christopher Hanley 147 00:10:22.454 --> 00:10:24.693 who made one of the first recorded calls 148 00:10:24.694 --> 00:10:27.500 to 911 emergency services that day. 149 00:10:28.120 --> 00:10:32.380 Yeah, hi. 150 00:10:32.600 --> 00:10:35.653 I'm on the 106th floor of the World Trade Center. 151 00:10:35.654 --> 00:10:36.933 We just had an explosion. 152 00:10:36.934 --> 00:10:38.300 The 106th floor? 153 00:10:38.400 --> 00:10:39.400 Yes. 154 00:10:39.800 --> 00:10:41.220 106th, okay. 155 00:10:41.720 --> 00:10:45.340 We have smoke and it's pretty bad. 156 00:10:45.640 --> 00:10:47.173 We can't get down the stairs. 157 00:10:47.174 --> 00:10:47.893 All right. 158 00:10:47.894 --> 00:10:49.573 We've got about a hundred people up here. 159 00:10:49.574 --> 00:10:50.853 Do not leave, okay? 160 00:10:50.854 --> 00:10:53.600 There's a fire or an explosion or something in the building. 161 00:10:53.720 --> 00:10:55.773 All right, I want you to stay where you are. 162 00:10:55.774 --> 00:10:57.253 - Yes. - All right, we're there. 163 00:10:57.254 --> 00:10:58.213 We're coming up to get you. 164 00:10:58.214 --> 00:11:01.053 There's smoke coming up from outside the windows down... 165 00:11:01.054 --> 00:11:02.533 All right, we're on the way. 166 00:11:02.534 --> 00:11:03.733 Just sit tight. 167 00:11:03.734 --> 00:11:04.893 All right, just sit tight. 168 00:11:04.894 --> 00:11:05.853 We're on the way. 169 00:11:05.854 --> 00:11:07.340 All right, please hurry. 170 00:11:10.520 --> 00:11:13.453 With no prior threat or government security intelligence 171 00:11:13.454 --> 00:11:16.613 warning, a terrorist attack was unexpected, so the 172 00:11:16.614 --> 00:11:19.053 common consensus both inside and on the ground 173 00:11:19.054 --> 00:11:22.920 was that an unexplained explosion had rocked the North Tower. 174 00:11:24.800 --> 00:11:27.653 The brutal truth was that American Airlines Flight 175 00:11:27.654 --> 00:11:31.213 11, whilst traveling upwards of 460 miles per 176 00:11:31.214 --> 00:11:33.213 hour, had hit the north face of the 177 00:11:33.214 --> 00:11:36.013 building, creating a catastrophic chasm in the World 178 00:11:36.014 --> 00:11:39.740 Trade Center Tower between floors 93 and 99. 179 00:11:42.600 --> 00:11:45.373 Flight 11's trajectory reached the very center of 180 00:11:45.374 --> 00:11:47.733 the North Tower, cutting through the three blocks 181 00:11:47.734 --> 00:11:49.620 of staircases in the process. 182 00:11:51.120 --> 00:11:54.493 Above the impact point on floor 93, every 183 00:11:54.494 --> 00:11:56.820 person's route to safety was destroyed. 184 00:11:58.240 --> 00:12:04.000 The reality, 1,344 lives were in mortal jeopardy. 185 00:12:05.160 --> 00:12:07.853 The plane's tanks erupted with 90,000 liters 186 00:12:07.854 --> 00:12:09.893 of jet fuel upon impact with the North 187 00:12:09.894 --> 00:12:14.660 Tower, igniting a ferocious blaze that consumed the building's interior. 188 00:12:16.560 --> 00:12:19.653 Office materials fed the flames, creating an overwhelming 189 00:12:19.654 --> 00:12:23.093 inferno of searing heat, choking smoke and intense 190 00:12:23.094 --> 00:12:27.300 fire, rendering the environment uninhabitable for human life. 191 00:12:28.840 --> 00:12:31.813 Adding to the horror, now-damaged elevator shafts 192 00:12:31.814 --> 00:12:34.173 provided a lethal conduit for the burning jet 193 00:12:34.174 --> 00:12:36.053 fuel to rage through the floors of the 194 00:12:36.054 --> 00:12:38.340 building as far as the entrance lobby. 195 00:12:40.280 --> 00:12:42.933 An estimated 8,000 people who could evacuate 196 00:12:42.934 --> 00:12:45.213 from the floors below the 93rd-story point 197 00:12:45.214 --> 00:12:48.940 of impact were faced with a chaotic and frightening scenario. 198 00:12:50.600 --> 00:12:52.453 The World Trade Center Towers were not designed 199 00:12:52.454 --> 00:12:54.740 to accommodate a large-scale evacuation. 200 00:12:56.800 --> 00:12:58.813 Each of the twin towers was equipped with 201 00:12:58.814 --> 00:13:02.120 only three narrow stairwells leading to the ground level. 202 00:13:03.560 --> 00:13:05.853 When the plane struck, the force of the 203 00:13:05.854 --> 00:13:08.933 impact caused the structures to shift, jamming doors 204 00:13:08.934 --> 00:13:13.140 in their frames and blocking stairwells with debris from shattered walls. 205 00:13:15.040 --> 00:13:17.493 This left dozens of people trapped in an 206 00:13:17.494 --> 00:13:21.253 increasingly desperate situation, particularly those on the floors 207 00:13:21.254 --> 00:13:22.780 near the impact zones. 208 00:13:24.160 --> 00:13:27.933 With escape routes destroyed, the intense flames, suffocating 209 00:13:27.934 --> 00:13:31.693 heat and thick black smoke created unbearable conditions 210 00:13:31.694 --> 00:13:33.140 inside the North Tower. 211 00:13:36.280 --> 00:13:38.860 In a heartbreaking attempt to escape the inferno, 212 00:13:39.040 --> 00:13:41.453 it is estimated that between 100 and 200 213 00:13:41.454 --> 00:13:44.213 people chose to jump to their deaths rather 214 00:13:44.214 --> 00:13:46.580 than succumb to the flames consuming the building. 215 00:13:47.360 --> 00:13:51.573 Have you seen any evidence, Elliot, of people 216 00:13:51.574 --> 00:13:53.700 being taken out of the building? 217 00:13:53.840 --> 00:13:57.780 You say that emergency vehicles are a concern as human loss. 218 00:14:01.320 --> 00:14:04.700 Oh my God, another plane has just hit. 219 00:14:08.840 --> 00:14:10.340 Holy shit, Mark. 220 00:14:11.320 --> 00:14:12.373 That's the other building. 221 00:14:12.374 --> 00:14:13.439 That's terrorist. 222 00:14:13.440 --> 00:14:15.140 That's terrorist, bro. 223 00:14:16.040 --> 00:14:17.620 That's fucking terrorist. 224 00:14:31.080 --> 00:14:33.860 It was now clear that this was no accident. 225 00:14:34.520 --> 00:14:36.860 Initially, after the attack on the North Tower, 226 00:14:37.120 --> 00:14:39.533 workers, staff and visitors in the South Tower 227 00:14:39.534 --> 00:14:41.660 were told to stay where they were. 228 00:14:42.200 --> 00:14:45.213 After the second crash, a mass evacuation began 229 00:14:45.214 --> 00:14:50.180 in the South Tower, below the impact zone of stories 77 to 85. 230 00:14:51.920 --> 00:14:53.180 Confusion reigned. 231 00:14:53.400 --> 00:14:54.973 Even though one of the stairwells in the 232 00:14:54.974 --> 00:14:57.053 South Tower was undamaged as the plane had 233 00:14:57.054 --> 00:14:58.733 hit the building at an offset from the 234 00:14:58.734 --> 00:15:01.173 vertical center line and could therefore be a 235 00:15:01.174 --> 00:15:03.653 route to safety, it was filled with choking 236 00:15:03.654 --> 00:15:06.693 black smoke, leading many to mistakenly make their 237 00:15:06.694 --> 00:15:10.820 way upwards towards the roof for a rescue that never materializes. 238 00:15:14.360 --> 00:15:17.773 Tragically, too, individuals heeded the instructions given by 239 00:15:17.774 --> 00:15:20.773 9-1-1 telephone operators and earlier building 240 00:15:20.774 --> 00:15:22.980 wide announcements to stay put. 241 00:15:30.560 --> 00:15:31.773 Sean, it's me. 242 00:15:31.774 --> 00:15:34.893 I just wanted to let you know I love you and I'm stuck in this building 243 00:15:34.894 --> 00:15:36.140 in New York. 244 00:15:37.080 --> 00:15:39.213 A plane hit the building where a bomb went off. 245 00:15:39.214 --> 00:15:42.373 I don't know, but there's lots of smoke and we just wanted you to know that 246 00:15:42.374 --> 00:15:43.540 I love you always. 247 00:15:44.240 --> 00:15:46.973 For those fortunate enough to be below the 248 00:15:46.974 --> 00:15:50.900 impact zones of the Twin Towers, escaping was a harrowing ordeal. 249 00:15:53.880 --> 00:15:57.733 They navigated through collapsed ceilings, shattered partitions and 250 00:15:57.734 --> 00:15:59.980 cascading water from broken pipes. 251 00:16:00.480 --> 00:16:03.413 Fires and dense, suffocating smoke further obstructed their 252 00:16:03.414 --> 00:16:06.660 path, reducing visibility and increasing the peril. 253 00:16:08.160 --> 00:16:11.253 For those trapped above the impact zones, conditions 254 00:16:11.254 --> 00:16:13.820 were dire and rapidly deteriorating. 255 00:16:14.280 --> 00:16:16.420 The sealed windows of the World Trade Center, 256 00:16:16.600 --> 00:16:20.340 not designed to open, left many without access to fresh air. 257 00:16:20.960 --> 00:16:22.693 Some windows were shattered by the force of 258 00:16:22.694 --> 00:16:25.333 the plane impacts, while others were broken by 259 00:16:25.334 --> 00:16:28.653 occupants desperately seeking relief from the encroaching smoke 260 00:16:28.654 --> 00:16:29.860 and intense heat. 261 00:16:38.840 --> 00:16:41.373 One of the most haunting images from Sept. 262 00:16:41.374 --> 00:16:45.053 11 is the falling man, taken by photographer Richard Drew. 263 00:16:45.054 --> 00:16:48.253 The photo shows an unnamed man believed to 264 00:16:48.254 --> 00:16:50.453 have fallen from the North Tower in a 265 00:16:50.454 --> 00:16:55.200 striking pose resembling an arrow, almost serene in descent. 266 00:16:55.440 --> 00:16:57.933 While he didn't choose his fate, the image 267 00:16:57.934 --> 00:17:01.573 suggests a quiet acceptance, inviting reflection on human 268 00:17:01.574 --> 00:17:05.320 dignity and resilience in the face of unimaginable choices. 269 00:17:05.840 --> 00:17:09.493 Though efforts to identify him remain inconclusive, the 270 00:17:09.494 --> 00:17:12.133 photograph has become a symbol of individual tragedy 271 00:17:12.134 --> 00:17:16.620 amid collective loss, capturing a moment of grace within chaos. 272 00:17:17.280 --> 00:17:20.533 Initially controversial, it endures as a powerful reminder 273 00:17:20.534 --> 00:17:22.500 of the human cost of that day. 274 00:17:38.760 --> 00:17:42.373 Upon their completion in 1973, the Twin Towers 275 00:17:42.374 --> 00:17:44.373 briefly held the title of the tallest buildings 276 00:17:44.374 --> 00:17:46.253 in the world, and by the time of 277 00:17:46.254 --> 00:17:50.700 the 2001 terrorist attacks, they remained among the top five tallest. 278 00:17:51.320 --> 00:17:54.533 Their collapse stunned the engineering community, as fire 279 00:17:54.534 --> 00:17:57.253 had never before caused a skyscraper to fail, 280 00:17:57.254 --> 00:18:01.100 and the towers had been designed to withstand the impact of an aircraft. 281 00:18:06.200 --> 00:18:08.733 John Skilling, the lead structural engineer for the 282 00:18:08.734 --> 00:18:11.333 World Trade Center, had speculated on such a 283 00:18:11.334 --> 00:18:13.860 scenario after the 1993 bombing. 284 00:18:14.360 --> 00:18:16.573 Reflecting on the potential consequences of a plane 285 00:18:16.574 --> 00:18:20.253 crash, he remarked, our analysis indicated the biggest 286 00:18:20.254 --> 00:18:22.053 problem would be the fact that all the 287 00:18:22.054 --> 00:18:25.013 fuel from the airplane would dump into the building. 288 00:18:25.014 --> 00:18:27.213 There would be a horrendous fire, a lot 289 00:18:27.214 --> 00:18:31.140 of people would be killed, but the building structure would still be there. 290 00:18:32.920 --> 00:18:36.700 Tragically, his assumptions would be proven wrong just eight years later. 291 00:18:37.200 --> 00:18:39.413 His calculations had not accounted for the devastating 292 00:18:39.414 --> 00:18:42.053 effects of a jetliner flying at high speed 293 00:18:42.054 --> 00:18:44.933 or the intense large-scale fires fueled by 294 00:18:44.934 --> 00:18:47.460 thousands of gallons of aviation fuel. 295 00:18:47.920 --> 00:18:51.420 No design had been prepared for such extraordinary circumstances. 296 00:18:58.400 --> 00:19:00.733 I don't think anybody expected this building to 297 00:19:00.734 --> 00:19:03.853 collapse even after the structural damage on the top. 298 00:19:03.854 --> 00:19:06.973 These buildings were wrapped in steel the way 299 00:19:06.974 --> 00:19:08.813 your foot is wrapped by a sock. 300 00:19:08.814 --> 00:19:11.813 The steel side structures were not holding up these floors. 301 00:19:11.814 --> 00:19:15.780 These floors were held up by pinions, one between each floor. 302 00:19:16.160 --> 00:19:18.213 And so when the first two floors gave 303 00:19:18.214 --> 00:19:21.373 way, the weight of that was sufficient to 304 00:19:21.374 --> 00:19:25.213 collapse every pinion and every floor, you know, 305 00:19:25.214 --> 00:19:27.453 straight down to the bottom. 306 00:19:27.454 --> 00:19:31.373 Jack Tagliarcio, a news cameraman, captured the moment 307 00:19:31.374 --> 00:19:32.820 the first tower fell. 308 00:20:29.560 --> 00:20:32.253 A massive global audience watched in shock as 309 00:20:32.254 --> 00:20:35.133 the twin towers were destroyed, their collapse broadcast 310 00:20:35.134 --> 00:20:37.260 live on television and radio. 311 00:20:40.280 --> 00:20:42.573 When the deafening roar of the falling towers 312 00:20:42.574 --> 00:20:46.493 subsided, dense clouds of gray-white pulverized concrete 313 00:20:46.494 --> 00:20:49.140 and gypsum surged through the streets of Manhattan. 314 00:20:49.480 --> 00:20:52.173 Initially, many believed a new explosion or impact 315 00:20:52.174 --> 00:20:55.980 had caused the billowing smoke and debris that obscured the South Tower. 316 00:20:56.160 --> 00:21:00.340 But as the winds cleared the haze, the grim reality emerged. 317 00:21:00.600 --> 00:21:02.980 The towering structure was gone. 318 00:21:07.160 --> 00:21:09.573 This video was captured by the Naudet brothers 319 00:21:09.574 --> 00:21:12.880 from inside the North Tower as the South fell. 320 00:21:35.240 --> 00:21:37.893 The North Tower's gypsum-lined stairwells had been 321 00:21:37.894 --> 00:21:43.260 obliterated on impact, leaving no one above floors 93 to 99 able to escape. 322 00:21:44.480 --> 00:21:46.573 Though the smoke and flames told part of 323 00:21:46.574 --> 00:21:49.133 the story from the outside, the harrowing calls 324 00:21:49.134 --> 00:21:52.773 from within revealed the unseen reality, an essential 325 00:21:52.774 --> 00:21:56.100 window into the anguish and courage of those trapped inside. 326 00:21:56.200 --> 00:21:57.293 Mom, it's Stephen. 327 00:21:57.294 --> 00:22:00.293 Um, my plane, my building got hit by a 328 00:22:00.294 --> 00:22:05.660 plane, and right now, I think I'm okay, I'm safe now, but it's smoky. 329 00:22:05.880 --> 00:22:09.300 I just want to say how much I love you, and, uh... 330 00:22:09.760 --> 00:22:12.053 I will, uh, call you when I'm safe. 331 00:22:12.054 --> 00:22:12.893 Okay, Mom? 332 00:22:12.894 --> 00:22:13.960 Bye. 333 00:22:20.240 --> 00:22:23.220 Shimmy, just hang in there. 334 00:22:25.440 --> 00:22:27.373 Just breathe slowly through a towel. 335 00:22:27.374 --> 00:22:28.880 Are you breathing through the towel? 336 00:22:29.560 --> 00:22:30.560 Everything's fine. 337 00:22:31.080 --> 00:22:33.533 Everybody's fine. Everybody's very calm. Everything's going to be fine. 338 00:22:33.534 --> 00:22:34.773 You just have to stay calm. 339 00:22:34.774 --> 00:22:35.813 Everybody here is calm. 340 00:22:35.814 --> 00:22:36.880 I promise you. 341 00:22:38.120 --> 00:22:40.560 Your girls don't even know because they're in school. 342 00:22:40.720 --> 00:22:42.500 The parents are here, they’re very calm. 343 00:22:43.600 --> 00:22:45.220 Just keep your head straight. 344 00:22:46.360 --> 00:22:47.693 Okay, do you see smoke by the window? 345 00:22:47.694 --> 00:22:49.053 The fire department’s... You can't see? 346 00:22:49.054 --> 00:22:50.493 Do we see smoke by the window? 347 00:22:50.494 --> 00:22:51.920 The fire department wants to know. 348 00:22:52.760 --> 00:22:55.013 No smoke by the window. 349 00:22:55.014 --> 00:22:57.773 Listen carefully. As a last resort, break the window as 350 00:22:57.774 --> 00:23:00.280 small as possible just to get a little air in. 351 00:23:00.640 --> 00:23:02.253 Okay, do you follow? 352 00:23:02.254 --> 00:23:02.933 Yes. 353 00:23:02.934 --> 00:23:03.600 Okay, how so? 354 00:23:03.601 --> 00:23:05.013 They said as a last resort, we should 355 00:23:05.014 --> 00:23:07.453 open the window just a little bit just to get some air in. 356 00:23:07.454 --> 00:23:10.080 Can you open the window or do you have to break it? 357 00:23:10.560 --> 00:23:11.453 Huh? 358 00:23:11.454 --> 00:23:12.493 We have to break it. 359 00:23:12.494 --> 00:23:14.120 - Yeah? - Break the window. 360 00:23:14.560 --> 00:23:17.493 Okay, Shimmy, Shimmy, take the window. 361 00:23:17.494 --> 00:23:21.413 As little as possible, just get a little, uh... 362 00:23:21.414 --> 00:23:25.280 If you're running out of air, we should do that. 363 00:23:25.480 --> 00:23:26.480 Okay? 364 00:23:37.400 --> 00:23:40.013 Smoke, new building, 105, 2-5. 365 00:23:40.014 --> 00:23:40.933 All right, stick tight. 366 00:23:40.934 --> 00:23:42.413 We'll get to you as soon as we can. 367 00:23:42.414 --> 00:23:45.253 You can stay in that smoke-free building there. 368 00:23:45.254 --> 00:23:46.700 That's all we can do. 369 00:23:47.840 --> 00:23:49.213 That's where you guys got to. 370 00:23:49.214 --> 00:23:49.893 We're getting there. 371 00:23:49.894 --> 00:23:51.973 It doesn't feel like it, man. 372 00:23:51.974 --> 00:23:52.893 I got young kids. 373 00:23:52.894 --> 00:23:54.013 I understand that, sir. 374 00:23:54.014 --> 00:23:55.733 There's lots of people up here. 375 00:23:55.734 --> 00:23:56.800 I understand. 376 00:23:57.080 --> 00:24:00.253 And then you go out in the building, and there's a really big hip-up on the top. 377 00:24:00.254 --> 00:24:01.013 Smoke rises. 378 00:24:01.014 --> 00:24:02.013 You can really see it. 379 00:24:02.014 --> 00:24:02.813 We're on the floor. 380 00:24:02.814 --> 00:24:03.880 We're in a window. 381 00:24:05.760 --> 00:24:07.813 And then you have to be in green here. 382 00:24:07.814 --> 00:24:08.880 You can't see. 383 00:24:09.960 --> 00:24:10.960 Okay. 384 00:24:11.400 --> 00:24:12.693 Just try to hang in there. 385 00:24:12.694 --> 00:24:13.493 I want to save it. 386 00:24:13.494 --> 00:24:15.213 It's too easy for you to say. 387 00:24:15.214 --> 00:24:16.980 You're in an air-conditioned building. 388 00:24:24.720 --> 00:24:26.053 It's really bad. 389 00:24:26.054 --> 00:24:27.760 It's black. It's arid. 390 00:24:29.160 --> 00:24:30.053 We're young men. 391 00:24:30.054 --> 00:24:31.133 We're not ready to die. 392 00:24:31.134 --> 00:24:32.200 I understand. 393 00:24:36.200 --> 00:24:37.013 Hello? 394 00:24:37.014 --> 00:24:38.080 Hello! 395 00:24:38.560 --> 00:24:41.700 We're overlooking the financial center. 396 00:24:42.160 --> 00:24:44.340 Three of us, two broken windows. 397 00:25:11.440 --> 00:25:14.413 At 11 a.m., Mayor Rudolph Giuliani ordered 398 00:25:14.414 --> 00:25:17.053 the evacuation of Lower Manhattan, south of Canal 399 00:25:17.054 --> 00:25:21.360 Street, affecting over one million residents, workers, and tourists. 400 00:25:21.960 --> 00:25:24.213 Meanwhile, rescue efforts at the World Trade Center 401 00:25:24.214 --> 00:25:26.653 site continued throughout the afternoon in a desperate 402 00:25:26.654 --> 00:25:27.980 search for survivors. 403 00:25:28.080 --> 00:25:32.173 I feel terrible for the people that we lost, some of whom I talked to just 404 00:25:32.174 --> 00:25:33.980 15 minutes before we lost them. 405 00:25:35.920 --> 00:25:37.613 And the city is going to survive. 406 00:25:37.614 --> 00:25:38.733 We're going to get through it. 407 00:25:38.734 --> 00:25:41.000 It's going to be a very, very difficult time. 408 00:25:41.200 --> 00:25:44.733 I don't think we yet know the pain that we're going to feel when we find 409 00:25:44.734 --> 00:25:46.340 out who we lost. 410 00:25:46.560 --> 00:25:49.853 But the thing we have to focus on now is getting the city through this and 411 00:25:49.854 --> 00:25:52.500 surviving and being stronger for it. 412 00:25:56.200 --> 00:25:58.373 It's difficult to find the words to describe 413 00:25:58.374 --> 00:26:00.620 the feeling in New York City today. 414 00:26:00.800 --> 00:26:02.213 New York City is in shock. 415 00:26:02.214 --> 00:26:06.253 One of its most famous landmarks destroyed, thousands 416 00:26:06.254 --> 00:26:09.420 dead, and America is under siege. 417 00:26:22.800 --> 00:26:25.653 I felt horrified, cos it's like you don't know what's coming. 418 00:26:25.654 --> 00:26:28.853 They kept saying, there's another plane coming, and 419 00:26:28.854 --> 00:26:30.693 all you hear was this rumbling, people was 420 00:26:30.694 --> 00:26:33.140 crying, people was jumping out the window. 421 00:26:33.240 --> 00:26:35.933 They was waving, like, trying to, like, say, help me. 422 00:26:35.934 --> 00:26:37.093 Like, you see their arms. 423 00:26:37.094 --> 00:26:41.413 And then you saw the man jump down, and he just... Everybody was jumping. 424 00:26:41.414 --> 00:26:42.293 It was crazy. 425 00:26:42.294 --> 00:26:46.213 I was standing down on 6th Avenue earlier, 426 00:26:46.214 --> 00:26:48.293 and I watched the flames coming out of 427 00:26:48.294 --> 00:26:50.333 the Trade Center, and I saw it collapse, 428 00:26:50.334 --> 00:26:53.893 and it was just the most horrible thing I've ever seen in my life. 429 00:26:53.894 --> 00:26:56.400 Unbelievable. I didn't think something like this could happen, 430 00:26:56.560 --> 00:26:57.780 especially in New York. 431 00:26:58.160 --> 00:27:00.493 Makes you wonder what our intelligence community is 432 00:27:00.494 --> 00:27:02.933 doing, you know, to have something like this happen. 433 00:27:02.934 --> 00:27:04.013 How can this happen? 434 00:27:04.014 --> 00:27:05.493 This is world-reaching. 435 00:27:05.494 --> 00:27:06.493 It's not just the city. 436 00:27:06.494 --> 00:27:07.573 It's around the world. 437 00:27:07.574 --> 00:27:10.720 It's going to... I don't think anything will ever be the same again. 438 00:27:12.440 --> 00:27:16.053 Prior to September 11, 2001, the United States 439 00:27:16.054 --> 00:27:18.740 was not officially engaged in any wars. 440 00:27:20.360 --> 00:27:23.413 Islamic extremism, al-Qaeda, and Osama bin Laden 441 00:27:23.414 --> 00:27:28.180 were largely unfamiliar to the general public, and ISIS had yet to emerge. 442 00:27:30.080 --> 00:27:32.053 The events of that day marked a pivotal 443 00:27:32.054 --> 00:27:34.693 moment in history, a clear divide between the 444 00:27:34.694 --> 00:27:37.173 world as it existed before the attacks and 445 00:27:37.174 --> 00:27:39.780 the profoundly changed reality that followed. 446 00:27:49.200 --> 00:27:52.973 The shock and devastation of September 11, 2001 447 00:27:52.974 --> 00:27:57.013 extended far beyond the immediate aftermath, leaving a 448 00:27:57.014 --> 00:28:01.380 profound and lasting impact on American life and global consciousness. 449 00:28:03.960 --> 00:28:07.613 What once seemed inconceivable, a large-scale attack 450 00:28:07.614 --> 00:28:11.240 on U.S. soil, became a grim new reality. 451 00:28:11.520 --> 00:28:15.493 The unthinkable possibility of future attacks, potentially involving 452 00:28:15.494 --> 00:28:20.260 biological or nuclear weapons, turned into a shared and persistent fear. 453 00:28:27.640 --> 00:28:30.653 This sense of vulnerability and uncertainty did not 454 00:28:30.654 --> 00:28:33.293 just ripple through New York City, but reverberated 455 00:28:33.294 --> 00:28:35.060 across the nation and the world. 456 00:29:28.080 --> 00:29:31.180 When we sit down at our dinner table, we have an empty chair. 457 00:29:31.360 --> 00:29:33.960 When we get together for holidays, we have an empty chair. 458 00:29:34.240 --> 00:29:35.380 We can't move on. 459 00:29:35.560 --> 00:29:36.453 There's no closure. 460 00:29:36.454 --> 00:29:37.580 There is no closure. 461 00:29:38.880 --> 00:29:43.653 What I'm thinking is, I have to look down and see that this is no longer 462 00:29:43.654 --> 00:29:46.813 here, and he's no longer here, and everyone 463 00:29:46.814 --> 00:29:50.493 else thinks that this is just okay and it's fine and we can move on, and 464 00:29:50.494 --> 00:29:51.560 we can't. 465 00:29:52.520 --> 00:29:54.653 Firefighters from the New York City Fire Department 466 00:29:54.654 --> 00:29:56.733 rushed to the World Trade Center minutes after 467 00:29:56.734 --> 00:29:58.940 the first plane struck the North Tower. 468 00:29:59.600 --> 00:30:01.773 Chief Joseph Pfeiffer and his crew with Battalion 469 00:30:01.774 --> 00:30:03.653 One were among the first on the scene. 470 00:30:03.654 --> 00:30:08.973 I just got to work in the office, and for some reason it was early and 471 00:30:08.974 --> 00:30:10.933 somebody had a TV on watching the news, 472 00:30:10.934 --> 00:30:13.940 and this whole thing started on live TV. 473 00:30:14.840 --> 00:30:17.533 So we started, we had a meeting, and 474 00:30:17.534 --> 00:30:22.340 about 8.30 I got activated through FEMA for the response. 475 00:30:22.720 --> 00:30:24.933 Initially, the team focused on the rescue and 476 00:30:24.934 --> 00:30:28.293 evacuation of the building's occupants, which involved sending 477 00:30:28.294 --> 00:30:30.613 firefighters up to assist people who were trapped 478 00:30:30.614 --> 00:30:33.333 in elevators and elsewhere, as well as ensuring 479 00:30:33.334 --> 00:30:35.820 all floors were completely evacuated. 480 00:30:37.480 --> 00:30:40.213 Many of the evacuees commented afterwards that the 481 00:30:40.214 --> 00:30:42.620 bravery of these firefighters was immeasurable. 482 00:30:43.240 --> 00:30:45.940 The look on their faces was one of steadfast determination. 483 00:30:46.800 --> 00:30:48.213 They were aware of the dangers they would 484 00:30:48.214 --> 00:30:52.493 face, yet continued on, hour upon hour, regardless 485 00:30:52.494 --> 00:30:54.460 of their own safety and well-being. 486 00:30:58.000 --> 00:31:01.333 Problems with radio communication also caused further problems 487 00:31:01.334 --> 00:31:05.580 as commanders lost contact with many of the firefighters in the buildings. 488 00:31:08.160 --> 00:31:10.093 Coupled with this, as the news of the 489 00:31:10.094 --> 00:31:13.573 attacks spread, many off-duty firefighters arrived at 490 00:31:13.574 --> 00:31:16.960 the scene eager to help, but without their radios. 491 00:31:18.160 --> 00:31:21.893 As a result, firefighters encountered difficulties reporting on 492 00:31:21.894 --> 00:31:24.253 their progress and location and were unable to 493 00:31:24.254 --> 00:31:28.140 hear evacuation orders, sometimes with tragic consequences. 494 00:31:31.880 --> 00:31:34.933 Oreo Palmer was one such brave firefighter who 495 00:31:34.934 --> 00:31:38.000 lost his life in his quest to save others. 496 00:31:38.360 --> 00:31:40.693 Without thought for his own safety, he rushed 497 00:31:40.694 --> 00:31:46.373 from the North Tower to the South at 9.03 a.m. On the stairwells, he 498 00:31:46.374 --> 00:31:49.133 realized that some firefighters could not communicate with 499 00:31:49.134 --> 00:31:51.733 each other, so worked quickly to rectify the 500 00:31:51.734 --> 00:31:53.540 problem with the radio receivers. 501 00:31:54.440 --> 00:31:58.620 Then, although most elevators had been rendered non-operational, 502 00:31:58.720 --> 00:32:01.093 Palmer single-handedly fixed one and took 503 00:32:01.094 --> 00:32:03.093 it to the 41st floor, which was halfway 504 00:32:03.094 --> 00:32:07.260 to the impact zone, which spanned the 77th to the 85th floors. 505 00:32:08.520 --> 00:32:11.773 This is Battalion 7 on floor 40 of tower two. 506 00:32:11.774 --> 00:32:14.613 We've got one elevator working up to the 40th floor. 507 00:32:14.614 --> 00:32:16.820 Staffed by a member of ladder 15. 508 00:32:17.280 --> 00:32:20.773 Climbing on foot, he was a very fit man, so he was able to make it 509 00:32:20.774 --> 00:32:22.660 where others might not have been able to. 510 00:32:23.760 --> 00:32:26.693 He ascended 12 floors in 10 minutes, wearing 511 00:32:26.694 --> 00:32:30.900 all the bunker gear, weighing in at a crippling 50 to 60 pounds. 512 00:32:33.800 --> 00:32:36.253 Those fortunate enough to have survived the initial 513 00:32:36.254 --> 00:32:38.453 impact of the crash on the 78th floor 514 00:32:38.454 --> 00:32:41.053 hoped to take an elevator to comparative safety 515 00:32:41.054 --> 00:32:44.060 on the 41st, but it failed to work. 516 00:32:45.680 --> 00:32:49.860 Palmer did the unthinkable and reached the 78th floor to save them. 517 00:32:50.360 --> 00:32:53.980 We're on the 43rd floor, stairway B. 518 00:32:54.520 --> 00:32:56.533 What floor should we try to get up to, Orio? 519 00:32:56.534 --> 00:32:59.453 I'm up to 55, we're gonna have to hoof it. 520 00:32:59.454 --> 00:33:03.300 I'm on 69 now, but we need a higher bank. 521 00:33:04.880 --> 00:33:09.453 B stairway walls have been compromised on 73 and 74. 522 00:33:09.454 --> 00:33:11.500 The walls are breached so be careful. 523 00:33:12.480 --> 00:33:16.740 It is clear he is in a race for time, saving his oxygen and energy. 524 00:33:19.160 --> 00:33:23.340 He discovered the south stairwell was safe to the impact zone and beyond. 525 00:33:24.200 --> 00:33:27.653 For the hundreds trapped there, this stairwell was an escape route. 526 00:33:27.654 --> 00:33:29.980 What stairway are you in right now? 527 00:33:30.480 --> 00:33:32.540 South stairwell, south tower. 528 00:33:35.240 --> 00:33:38.060 We've got two outside the pockets of fire, 529 00:33:38.240 --> 00:33:40.773 we should be able to knock it down with two lines Where are you? 530 00:33:40.774 --> 00:33:42.820 Radio that. 78th floor. 531 00:33:42.920 --> 00:33:44.820 Numerous 10-45 code 1’s. 532 00:33:45.720 --> 00:33:47.140 Floor 78? 533 00:33:48.000 --> 00:33:49.000 10-4. 534 00:33:49.240 --> 00:33:51.700 Numerous civilians, we’re gonna need two engines up here. 535 00:33:52.160 --> 00:33:53.660 Alright 10-4, we're on our way. 536 00:33:55.920 --> 00:33:59.333 After such Herculean efforts on his part, tragically, 537 00:33:59.334 --> 00:34:01.253 the impact of the crash was so strong 538 00:34:01.254 --> 00:34:05.640 that the south tower collapsed, killing him and many others. 539 00:34:11.280 --> 00:34:13.693 All I can tell you is just put 540 00:34:13.694 --> 00:34:16.060 yourself in that position as your family member. 541 00:34:16.320 --> 00:34:18.613 Every one of these firefighters in here are our brothers. 542 00:34:18.614 --> 00:34:20.853 Every one of these police officers in here are our brothers. 543 00:34:20.854 --> 00:34:21.973 And the civilians that are in here are 544 00:34:21.974 --> 00:34:23.653 the people that we're sworn to protect. 545 00:34:23.654 --> 00:34:25.660 That's our job, that's what we do. 546 00:34:25.760 --> 00:34:27.613 And as far as I'm concerned, I treat 547 00:34:27.614 --> 00:34:29.853 every person in there as my personal family, 548 00:34:29.854 --> 00:34:31.740 and every firefighter does the same thing. 549 00:34:31.880 --> 00:34:34.020 Our job is to go in and do what we have to do. 550 00:34:34.240 --> 00:34:35.580 We tell them to rest. 551 00:34:35.680 --> 00:34:36.933 They do get their rest. 552 00:34:36.934 --> 00:34:38.420 We tell them to sit down. 553 00:34:38.520 --> 00:34:40.653 We have guys lined up over there, thousands 554 00:34:40.654 --> 00:34:42.933 of firefighters and fire officers lined up over 555 00:34:42.934 --> 00:34:45.693 there with police officers waiting for the opportunity to go in. 556 00:34:45.694 --> 00:34:47.493 We have to hold them back because we 557 00:34:47.494 --> 00:34:49.613 don't want to create a situation where because 558 00:34:49.614 --> 00:34:52.293 of the structural defects, etc., where they're going 559 00:34:52.294 --> 00:34:54.493 to be put further in danger, and maybe 560 00:34:54.494 --> 00:34:57.613 during the recovery process we wind up endangering someone else. 561 00:34:57.614 --> 00:34:59.420 That's our worst fear right now. 562 00:35:00.800 --> 00:35:03.293 Volunteers quickly descended on Ground Zero to help 563 00:35:03.294 --> 00:35:05.260 in the rescue and recovery efforts. 564 00:35:06.960 --> 00:35:10.493 At Jacob Javits Convention Center, thousands showed up 565 00:35:10.494 --> 00:35:12.220 and registered with the authorities. 566 00:35:13.080 --> 00:35:15.093 Construction projects around the city came to a 567 00:35:15.094 --> 00:35:18.800 halt as workers walked off jobs to help at Ground Zero. 568 00:35:20.120 --> 00:35:25.733 The amount of rubble, actually, what we were 569 00:35:25.734 --> 00:35:30.060 trying to do was dig out a fire truck that was on the street, buried. 570 00:35:30.320 --> 00:35:32.773 I really thought I was going to just die yesterday. 571 00:35:32.774 --> 00:35:34.373 Like, I just thought I was going to stop breathing. 572 00:35:34.374 --> 00:35:35.500 I was thinking of leaving. 573 00:35:35.960 --> 00:35:38.333 And then I saw these guys, you know, 574 00:35:38.334 --> 00:35:39.813 coming back that are supposed to take an 575 00:35:39.814 --> 00:35:42.213 hour and a half shifts, and they're not 576 00:35:42.214 --> 00:35:44.180 coming back because they refused to give up. 577 00:35:45.720 --> 00:35:48.413 And then I thought, like, these guys are 578 00:35:48.414 --> 00:35:50.373 staying, and they need medical attention. 579 00:35:50.374 --> 00:35:52.093 I mean, these firemen and these police officers 580 00:35:52.094 --> 00:35:56.853 and if they could stay, I could stay. 581 00:35:56.854 --> 00:35:59.813 You know, just droves and droves of firefighters 582 00:35:59.814 --> 00:36:03.013 and EMS people and city workers, you know, 583 00:36:03.014 --> 00:36:06.453 MTA workers and Verizon people and, you know, 584 00:36:06.454 --> 00:36:07.653 just a lot of people that look dog 585 00:36:07.654 --> 00:36:12.133 tired and, you know, working hard hours trying 586 00:36:12.134 --> 00:36:14.493 to do whatever they can to clear people 587 00:36:14.494 --> 00:36:18.133 out and find whoever might still be alive. 588 00:36:18.134 --> 00:36:19.733 There was, I think, one gentleman they were 589 00:36:19.734 --> 00:36:23.653 still in touch with on a cell phone who was buried in a car that they 590 00:36:23.654 --> 00:36:24.573 were trying to get to. 591 00:36:24.574 --> 00:36:26.693 So we kept digging, and as we were 592 00:36:26.694 --> 00:36:29.893 digging, there was a big explosion, a bang, you know. 593 00:36:29.894 --> 00:36:33.133 And within 10 minutes, we kept digging, and 594 00:36:33.134 --> 00:36:34.693 they started pulling everybody out. 595 00:36:34.694 --> 00:36:37.013 Believe me, after going in there, we're still standing. 596 00:36:37.014 --> 00:36:38.260 It doesn't look like it. 597 00:36:38.520 --> 00:36:40.813 It looks like everything's down, everything's gone. 598 00:36:40.814 --> 00:36:42.173 But we are still standing. 599 00:36:42.174 --> 00:36:43.253 You got to see these people. 600 00:36:43.254 --> 00:36:45.480 Like, there's no such thing as having one hero anymore. 601 00:36:48.440 --> 00:36:50.453 Search and rescue efforts in making the site 602 00:36:50.454 --> 00:36:52.213 of the Twin Towers safe in the immediate 603 00:36:52.214 --> 00:36:55.933 aftermath of 9-11 involved iron workers, structural 604 00:36:55.934 --> 00:37:01.293 engineers, asbestos workers, boiler makers, carpenters, cement masons, 605 00:37:01.294 --> 00:37:06.573 construction managers, electricians, insulators, machinists, plumbers, and pipe 606 00:37:06.574 --> 00:37:08.740 fitters, amongst other professions. 607 00:37:09.320 --> 00:37:13.260 400 working dogs were also deployed in the quest to find survivors. 608 00:37:13.640 --> 00:37:16.213 Their presence brought comfort, hope, and healing during 609 00:37:16.214 --> 00:37:19.133 a time of immense grief and trauma, showcasing 610 00:37:19.134 --> 00:37:21.900 the deep bond between humans and animals. 611 00:37:22.080 --> 00:37:24.533 These brave dogs and their handlers remain a 612 00:37:24.534 --> 00:37:26.580 symbol of resilience and compassion. 613 00:37:28.440 --> 00:37:32.180 You spoke to him then while he was watching the first. 614 00:37:32.760 --> 00:37:34.253 And what was that like? 615 00:37:34.254 --> 00:37:35.933 He said it was really chaotic. 616 00:37:35.934 --> 00:37:39.253 He said a plane just went through the building. 617 00:37:39.254 --> 00:37:41.893 He said, Rachel, I just watched somebody jump 618 00:37:41.894 --> 00:37:46.493 or get pushed or fall right out of the building out of One World Trade. 619 00:37:46.494 --> 00:37:48.053 He's like, it's chaotic here. 620 00:37:48.054 --> 00:37:51.613 I work for Bloomberg News, so I said, can I get anyone on the phone to 621 00:37:51.614 --> 00:37:52.933 talk about what you're seeing? 622 00:37:52.934 --> 00:37:54.333 And he's like, you don't understand. 623 00:37:54.334 --> 00:37:55.933 It's chaotic. 624 00:37:55.934 --> 00:37:59.733 And none of them ever knew that it was a terrorist attack. 625 00:37:59.734 --> 00:38:01.300 They all thought it was an accident. 626 00:38:02.160 --> 00:38:03.700 No one ever knew. 627 00:38:04.200 --> 00:38:09.180 And they were all still on the phone right before the second plane crashed. 628 00:38:09.440 --> 00:38:11.893 If I think about it, they had no time to get out. 629 00:38:11.894 --> 00:38:12.933 They had no time to run. 630 00:38:12.934 --> 00:38:16.460 But I still was keeping hope. 631 00:38:17.360 --> 00:38:20.613 Was he on the phone to you when the second plane? 632 00:38:20.614 --> 00:38:21.413 He was on the phone to me about 633 00:38:21.414 --> 00:38:23.780 two minutes before the second plane went in. 634 00:38:24.160 --> 00:38:25.733 And you never got to him again after that? 635 00:38:25.734 --> 00:38:27.693 I called back, and his phones were dead. 636 00:38:27.694 --> 00:38:29.173 I don't know what else to do. 637 00:38:29.174 --> 00:38:31.020 I'm just going from place to place. 638 00:38:31.400 --> 00:38:32.613 This was my fiance. 639 00:38:32.614 --> 00:38:36.213 I have planned my whole future out with this person. 640 00:38:36.214 --> 00:38:39.980 If I don't find him, I have to start all over again. 641 00:38:40.720 --> 00:38:45.973 It's taken me my entire life to find him, and I don't know what I will 642 00:38:45.974 --> 00:38:47.260 do without him. 643 00:38:50.240 --> 00:38:52.780 Please, please help me find him. 644 00:39:03.520 --> 00:39:06.013 The day after the attack, then-Mayor Rudy 645 00:39:06.014 --> 00:39:08.493 Giuliani told reporters that they were receiving mobile 646 00:39:08.494 --> 00:39:10.980 phone calls from people trapped in the debris. 647 00:39:11.160 --> 00:39:12.813 But there was little hope for most. 648 00:39:12.814 --> 00:39:16.933 Congress quickly established an extensive compensation program in 649 00:39:16.934 --> 00:39:19.773 the aftermath to compensate the victims and families 650 00:39:19.774 --> 00:39:22.133 of victims of the 9-11 attack, with 651 00:39:22.134 --> 00:39:24.900 tremendous amounts also raised by the public. 652 00:39:27.680 --> 00:39:29.860 Americans have many questions tonight. 653 00:39:31.240 --> 00:39:34.860 Americans are asking, who attacked our country? 654 00:39:36.240 --> 00:39:39.173 The evidence we have gathered all points to 655 00:39:39.174 --> 00:39:43.573 a collection of loosely affiliated terrorist organizations known 656 00:39:43.574 --> 00:39:44.640 as al-Qaeda. 657 00:39:46.840 --> 00:39:48.773 Our message to them is clear. 658 00:39:48.774 --> 00:39:51.093 No matter how long it takes, America will 659 00:39:51.094 --> 00:39:54.120 find you, and we will bring you to justice. 660 00:40:05.680 --> 00:40:09.220 Rallying around the populist phrase, United we stand, 661 00:40:09.640 --> 00:40:11.853 Americans were determined to be resilient in the 662 00:40:11.854 --> 00:40:15.920 face of this unprecedented and devastating attack on their homeland. 663 00:40:20.680 --> 00:40:23.253 President Bush and the federal government found widespread 664 00:40:23.254 --> 00:40:25.973 support for their response to the attacks and 665 00:40:25.974 --> 00:40:28.100 seemingly a need for retribution. 666 00:40:32.040 --> 00:40:34.853 Nearly 3,000 people in New York, Virginia, 667 00:40:34.854 --> 00:40:37.133 and Pennsylvania lost their lives on 9-11 668 00:40:37.134 --> 00:40:41.213 after terrorists orchestrated by Osama bin Laden hijacked 669 00:40:41.214 --> 00:40:42.740 airplanes as weapons. 670 00:40:50.400 --> 00:40:54.013 As the years pass, suffering continues alongside the 671 00:40:54.014 --> 00:40:57.253 memorializing among those who lost loved ones and 672 00:40:57.254 --> 00:41:00.013 by survivors who sustained injuries or who were 673 00:41:00.014 --> 00:41:03.213 forever changed by the horrific events, even as 674 00:41:03.214 --> 00:41:05.660 the country and the world changes. 675 00:41:10.320 --> 00:41:11.860 My name is Stan Honda. 676 00:41:12.040 --> 00:41:14.573 I'm a former AFP photographer, and I was 677 00:41:14.574 --> 00:41:18.840 here on 9-11 photographing the Trade Center attack. 678 00:41:19.000 --> 00:41:20.653 Well, that morning, I got a phone call 679 00:41:20.654 --> 00:41:24.300 from one of the other AFP photo stringers, 680 00:41:24.480 --> 00:41:26.493 and he watches the early morning news, and 681 00:41:26.494 --> 00:41:29.060 he said there's a plane that crashed in the World Trade Center. 682 00:41:29.240 --> 00:41:32.933 I live near the number 6 subway train, and I think I was on the last 683 00:41:32.934 --> 00:41:37.533 train that was running that ended up at the City Hall Brooklyn Bridge stop. 684 00:41:37.534 --> 00:41:40.253 We're on Fulton right near Broadway, and I 685 00:41:40.254 --> 00:41:43.413 think I was around this area photographing the 686 00:41:43.414 --> 00:41:46.373 people running from the Trade Center site and 687 00:41:46.374 --> 00:41:50.380 also the first tower as it was collapsing. 688 00:41:50.600 --> 00:41:52.813 You could see this cloud of dust and 689 00:41:52.814 --> 00:41:57.573 debris and smoke coming between the buildings through 690 00:41:57.574 --> 00:42:00.133 the streets and toward where I was standing, 691 00:42:00.134 --> 00:42:01.373 so that was pretty frightening. 692 00:42:01.374 --> 00:42:05.693 I think this is the area where I had come out of the building after the 693 00:42:05.694 --> 00:42:08.733 first tower had collapsed, and the whole area 694 00:42:08.734 --> 00:42:11.053 was covered with this white and gray dust, 695 00:42:11.054 --> 00:42:13.253 so it really looked like it had snowed. 696 00:42:13.254 --> 00:42:17.133 The sidewalks, people were covered, the vehicles, cars, 697 00:42:17.134 --> 00:42:19.580 and everything were just covered with this dust. 698 00:42:19.840 --> 00:42:21.980 The picture of the woman, of Marcy Borders, 699 00:42:22.400 --> 00:42:25.093 I took into the, she actually came into 700 00:42:25.094 --> 00:42:27.613 the lobby of the building that I went 701 00:42:27.614 --> 00:42:29.813 into after the first tower had collapsed. 702 00:42:29.814 --> 00:42:31.980 Hi, my name is Marcy Borders. 703 00:42:32.080 --> 00:42:33.700 I'm from Bayonne, New Jersey. 704 00:42:34.240 --> 00:42:38.740 I became famous from working in the North Tower on the 81st floor. 705 00:42:39.040 --> 00:42:42.013 My image is known all over the world as the Dust Queen. 706 00:42:42.014 --> 00:42:44.693 The morning of 9-11, my supervisor had 707 00:42:44.694 --> 00:42:46.893 thought maybe a small jet plane might have 708 00:42:46.894 --> 00:42:51.220 nipped us, but at that time we had no idea what was going on. 709 00:42:51.760 --> 00:42:57.213 So then I began to panic, you know, so they sat me down, told me to 710 00:42:57.214 --> 00:43:01.053 relax, take deep breaths, but the way the 711 00:43:01.054 --> 00:43:04.893 building was shaking, it was just, I couldn't sit there. 712 00:43:04.894 --> 00:43:06.453 You know, you just heard people screaming stay 713 00:43:06.454 --> 00:43:09.253 away from the glass, stay away from the glass. 714 00:43:09.254 --> 00:43:15.293 You saw injured, I saw people with objects in them, burnt skulls. 715 00:43:15.294 --> 00:43:18.213 It was crazy compared to what I just left. 716 00:43:18.214 --> 00:43:19.660 My stairwell was normal. 717 00:43:19.880 --> 00:43:23.980 That's when you just hear firemen screaming run and don't look back. 718 00:43:24.200 --> 00:43:26.333 Then I took chase, you know, from this 719 00:43:26.334 --> 00:43:30.253 cloud of dust, this smoke that's just following 720 00:43:30.254 --> 00:43:35.573 me, and once it caught me, it threw me on my hands and my knees. 721 00:43:35.574 --> 00:43:38.853 Every time I inhaled, my mouth just filled up with it. 722 00:43:38.854 --> 00:43:39.920 I was choking. 723 00:43:40.160 --> 00:43:42.580 I couldn't see my hand in front of my face. 724 00:43:42.920 --> 00:43:47.133 I was just saying to myself and saying out loud that I didn't want to die, 725 00:43:47.134 --> 00:43:48.500 I didn't want to die. 726 00:43:48.960 --> 00:43:53.580 And a stranger, I remember him clearly saying he didn't have his shirt on. 727 00:43:55.640 --> 00:44:01.013 And he grabbed me, and, you know, with so much going on, I was kind of 728 00:44:01.014 --> 00:44:02.260 afraid of him. 729 00:44:02.520 --> 00:44:05.413 So I was asking him, what are you going to do? 730 00:44:05.414 --> 00:44:06.333 Where are you taking me? 731 00:44:06.334 --> 00:44:07.420 What are you going to do? 732 00:44:07.560 --> 00:44:09.540 And he was like, to safety. 733 00:44:09.800 --> 00:44:12.260 I guess that's where this picture was taken, 734 00:44:13.160 --> 00:44:16.693 and I'm known all over as the Dust Lady. 735 00:44:16.694 --> 00:44:20.373 We're used to big building fires and disasters 736 00:44:20.374 --> 00:44:24.293 like airplane crashes, but this seemed like something 737 00:44:24.294 --> 00:44:27.293 that was way beyond what any of us had ever seen. 738 00:44:27.294 --> 00:44:31.333 It's really an honor, I think, to have the photographs in the museum there. 739 00:44:31.334 --> 00:44:33.173 The 2 pictures, the one of Morrissey and 740 00:44:33.174 --> 00:44:36.773 Ed, got a pretty huge amount of media attention. 741 00:44:36.774 --> 00:44:38.933 I was pretty surprised, and I think after 742 00:44:38.934 --> 00:44:41.973 a while I realized that they're pictures of 743 00:44:41.974 --> 00:44:44.253 people, and I think that a lot of 744 00:44:44.254 --> 00:44:47.813 people could identify with these 2 individuals, the 745 00:44:47.814 --> 00:44:50.760 struggle that they were going through to make it through the day. 746 00:44:50.920 --> 00:44:52.893 I think that's probably maybe one of the 747 00:44:52.894 --> 00:44:57.333 reasons that the pictures themselves became fairly well 748 00:44:57.334 --> 00:44:59.780 known and well-used. 749 00:45:06.840 --> 00:45:08.853 The site of the New York City attacks 750 00:45:08.854 --> 00:45:11.093 is now home to One World Trade Center, 751 00:45:11.094 --> 00:45:13.300 the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. 752 00:45:17.120 --> 00:45:19.133 Plans for rebuilding the World Trade Center began 753 00:45:19.134 --> 00:45:21.973 in July 2002 under the guidance of the 754 00:45:21.974 --> 00:45:24.180 Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. 755 00:45:25.000 --> 00:45:27.653 The process was marked by debates among the 756 00:45:27.654 --> 00:45:30.613 public, architects, and political leaders about what the 757 00:45:30.614 --> 00:45:32.820 New World Trade Center should represent. 758 00:45:34.360 --> 00:45:39.260 With so much significance tied to the project, it had to be just right. 759 00:45:44.480 --> 00:45:48.533 Completed in 2014, the inspiring structure stands as 760 00:45:48.534 --> 00:45:53.140 a powerful symbol of resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy. 761 00:46:05.120 --> 00:46:08.413 Surrounding 2 vast memorial pools, situated where the 762 00:46:08.414 --> 00:46:11.693 Twin Towers once stood, are bronze panels etched 763 00:46:11.694 --> 00:46:15.420 with the names of every person who lost their life in the attacks. 764 00:46:25.440 --> 00:46:28.653 Nearby, the Survivor Tree, a calorie-pair tree 765 00:46:28.654 --> 00:46:31.740 that miraculously withstood the devastation at Ground Zero, 766 00:46:32.080 --> 00:46:35.240 thrives as a living testament to strength and recovery. 767 00:46:38.320 --> 00:46:40.933 Every year, seedlings from this tree are gifted 768 00:46:40.934 --> 00:46:43.653 by the 9-11 Memorial to communities affected 769 00:46:43.654 --> 00:46:47.580 by their own tragedies, spreading hope and resilience far and wide. 770 00:47:01.040 --> 00:47:03.413 For those who lived through it, the memory 771 00:47:03.414 --> 00:47:05.700 of that Tuesday morning remains vivid. 772 00:47:10.480 --> 00:47:12.853 People remember exactly where they were when news 773 00:47:12.854 --> 00:47:16.180 broke that an airplane had struck one of the Twin Towers. 774 00:47:16.680 --> 00:47:18.893 It was a defining moment that brought Americans 775 00:47:18.894 --> 00:47:22.773 closer, as neighbors became like family, stepping up 776 00:47:22.774 --> 00:47:27.540 to donate time, money, and resources to aid those affected by the disaster. 777 00:47:39.560 --> 00:47:41.653 Even after all these years, the events of 778 00:47:41.654 --> 00:47:44.413 9-11 remain etched in our hearts, a 779 00:47:44.414 --> 00:47:46.813 reminder of both the fragility of life and 780 00:47:46.814 --> 00:47:48.900 the enduring strength of the human spirit.