Today is the 16th anniversary of 9/11 attacks in the US. This was the deadliest terror attack on US soil to date since the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. The attack claimed the lives of 3,000 people and 16 years later, the US is yet to fully move on from this tragedy.
We have compiled a few photos that try to explain the events of this day. Take a look below.
It was a normal morning in New York. The Twin Towers stood high in the sky and it appeared to be business as usual.
At about 8:46 in the morning, the first plane hit the towers. This was the American Flight 11 which hit the North Tower. At this point, it was not yet clear whether this was an attack or an accident.
At around 9:03 AM another plane hits the South Tower. It was now clear to everyone that this was a terror attack. Some TVs captured it live.
The World Trade center was engulfed with smoke and fire. People were trapped inside the building and clung to windows for any chance of survival.
A man was captured in this photo jumping/falling for dear life. It is estimated that at least 200 people fell off the building or tried to jump and save themselves.
The attack was not over yet. While people were recovering from the shock in New York, the third plane hit. This time it was the American Flight 77 which at about 9:40 AM hit the Pentagon. The FAA orders all planes to land.
At around 9:59 AM, the South Tower in New York couldn’t hold anymore and it collapses. People started fleeing the area in panic.
The final plane crashed in the Pennsylvanian town of Shanksville. This was the United Flight 93 which was believed to have been heading to the Capitol. Passengers in the plane regained the aircraft from the terrorists after getting wind of the three attacks that had so far rocked the nation.
It was 10:28 AM and just like the South Tower in New York, the North Tower couldn’t hold either. It went down completely in 12 seconds. The devastation caused by these attacks was now becoming clear. About 2,753 people were confirmed dead in New York and 343 firefighters were among the dead. Paramedics too suffered the devastation as well as additional 60 cops from the city. The death toll rose as 183 people were confirmed dead in Washington and 40 others in Pennsylvania. About 3,000 fatalities in total. The US was in shock.
Rescue efforts were still underway trying to save those trapped in the collapsed buildings. The photo below captures a man who appears to be unconscious being carried away from the scene for further attention.
The US came together. People from all walks of life united to help those affected. America responded and responded decisively, President Bush declares war on Iraq.
The photo below shows the creation of light that marks the place where the Twin Towers used to be.
