The Unforgettable Experience: What It's Like to Be Inside the World Trade Center During 9/11

Imagine being at the 1st floor lobby of the World Trade Center (WTC) Tower when American Airlines Flight 11 slammed into the tower on September 11, 2001. This account details the terrifying experience one might witness and the subsequent traumatic events that unfolded.

The Initial Impact

First, one would likely hear a sound reminiscent of a fighter jet traveling at 500 mph. This is followed by a shockwave-like air movement that reverberates with a deep, thunderous whoosh. As one rushes to the window, a jumbo jet can be seen approaching at around 200 mph. Upon impact, the force is immense, like a 5.8 magnitude earthquake. The shaking and booming shudder would be so powerful that it throws the observer several feet away from the window.

The Immediate Aftermath

Within five seconds, a much louder explosion would be heard—this is the blast from the plane impacting the building. Just six seconds later, the observer would see shards of glass and steel fragments, some even as large as steel trusses and girders, crashing down. Approximately 5000 to 7000 pieces would scatter across the sidewalk. The sight is shocking and akin to a scene from a disaster movie, only this is the stark reality of the moment.

The Human Tragedy

Shortly after the explosion, one can witness the most harrowing scene. Three individuals, likely falling from the 80th or 90th floors of the tower, plummet to the concrete floor. The observer might instinctively look away, feeling unable to bear the scene of human tragedy. The fear of another plane impact is overwhelming, leading to the decision to evacuate the tower and seek safety in a neighboring borough, like Brooklyn.

The Collapse and Aftermath

As the observer reaches the Brooklyn side, the scene becomes even more frightening. The twin towers begin to collapse completely. The observer reflects on the fateful decision to evacuate and feels a pang of guilt for the thousands of people inside the towers and the brave firefighters who perished in the subsequent collapse. Surviving 9/11 is a moment of profound relief, but the impact on the community is immeasurable.

Conclusion: Witnessing the events of 9/11 up close is a harrowing and unforgettable experience. It is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the devastating consequences of a terrorist attack.