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9:03 South Tower Attack
5 hijackers crash Flight 175 into floors 77-85 of the South Tower killing the 51 passengers, 9 crew members, and an unknown number of people inside the building. The crash renders 2 of 3 stairwells impassible and severs a majority of the elevator cables, trapping many people above the impact zone and inside the elevator cars. Shortly after, workers jump or fall to their deaths. Estimates of the number of people who die as a result of falling from the Twin Towers range from 50 to 200+. -
8:19 Flight 11 Crew Members Contact Ground Personnel
Flight attendant Betty Ann ong alerts American Airlines ground personnel about the hijacking on Flight 11 reporting that the cockpit was unreachable. Before the call, a hijacker stabbed a passenger named Daniel M. Lewin. He was likely the 1st killed in 9/11. 2mins later, the hijackers turned off the plane's transponder. After several failed connections, flight attendant Madeline Sweeney, reported the hijacking to someone on the ground. Over 12 mins, she provides a description of the hijackers. -
8:20 Flight 77 Takes Off
American Airlines Flight 77 takes off from Washington Dulles International Airport. There were 6 crew members, 53 passengers, and 5 hijackers on the plane. -
8:24 Flight 11 Hijacker Transmits a Message
Attempting to talk to passengers/crew on Flight 11, Hijacker Mohamed Atta pressed the wrong button, broadcasting to air traffic control instead. Because of this mistake he unwillingly told controllers of the attacks. Minutes later, Atta makes an unintended transmission to ground control again. One of his transmissions is picked up by the pilot of Flight 175, victor J. Saracini informs the Federal Aviation Administration of what happened before his own plane is hijacked. -
8:46 Responders Mobilize and North Tower Evacuation Begins
Immediately after witnessing the crash from 14 blocks away, Chief Pfeifer directs FDNYC to issue a 2nd alarm. En route he signals for a 3rd alarm which calls for 23 engine and ladder companies, 12 chiefs, & 10 specialized units to respond to the crash. The PAPD responsible for the safety and security of the WTC mobilizes in response to the attack. Additional PAPD aid evacuation and rescue. -
8:59 PAPD Orders Evacuation of Twin Towers
At 8:55am the South Tower was declared secure but just a few minutes later, at 8:59am, PAPD Sergeant Al DeVona issued orders to evacuate both towers. One minute later, PAPD Captain Anthony Whitaker expands the evacuation of civilians in the World Trade Center. -
5:45am Hijackers pass through security screening in Portland, Maine
Hijackers Mohamed Atta and Abdul Aziz al-Omari pass through security and board a commuter flight to Boston Logan International Airport. They connect at American Airlines Flight 11 joined by 3 other hijackers. The 5 terrorists who will hijack Flight 77 are recorded passing through Washington Dulles International Airport. 3 of them set of the metal detectors but no weapons were found. The hijackers carried on with knives on themselves. Before 9/11 airports didn't require security. -
8:30 The World Trade Center Comes to Life
Morning activities have commenced at The World Trade Center and the Twin Towers. Roughly 80 people gathered to attend the Risk Waters Group financial technology conference on the 106th floor of the North Tower. 72 restaurant staff came early. Other events at the WTC include the annual National Association for Business Economics conference, and a Peace Corps information session at the World Trade Center. -
8:46am North Tower Attack
5 hijackers crash American Airlines Flight 11 into floors 93-99 of 1 World Trade Center. Instantly, the 76 passengers, 11 crew members, and hundreds inside the building were killed. The crash blocks all 3 emergency stairwells trapping hundreds of people above the 91st floor.