Here is a chronological breakdown of the events that unfolded that day:
1. Hijackings and Takeoffs:
- Between 7:59 AM and 8:46 AM Eastern Time, nineteen members of the extremist group Al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes originating from Boston's Logan International Airport and Newark International Airport in New Jersey.
- The hijackers used box cutters and mace to subdue flight attendants and passengers, taking control of the planes.
2. American Airlines Flight 11:
- At 8:46 AM, American Airlines Flight 11, a Boeing 767, crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. The impact occurred between floors 93 and 99.
3. United Airlines Flight 175:
- At 9:03 AM, United Airlines Flight 175, also a Boeing 767, crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. The impact took place between floors 77 and 85.
4. White House and Pentagon:
- Following these attacks, the White House and the Pentagon were targeted.
- At approximately 9:37 AM, American Airlines Flight 77, a Boeing 757, crashed into the western facade of the Pentagon, causing significant damage.
- Meanwhile, United Airlines Flight 93 was diverted from its intended target due to passenger resistance. The hijackers lost control of the plane, and it crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, at 10:03 AM.
5. World Trade Center Collapse:
- Both the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center experienced intense fires, structural damage, and eventual collapse.
- At 10:28 AM, the South Tower collapsed after burning for 56 minutes.
- The North Tower collapsed at 10:59 AM after burning for 102 minutes.
6. Aftermath:
- The attacks on 9/11 resulted in the deaths of 2,977 people, including the hijackers.
- The World Trade Center complex, including the Twin Towers, was completely destroyed.
- Rescue and recovery efforts continued for months, with thousands of volunteers, emergency responders, and recovery workers participating.
- The events of 9/11 triggered a global response, including the War on Terror, increased airport security measures, and intensified counterterrorism efforts worldwide.
Impact and Significance:
The 9/11 attacks had profound and far-reaching impacts:
- They altered the course of world history and international politics.
- They led to significant changes in aviation security, intelligence gathering, and counterterrorism strategies.
- The aftermath of 9/11 also influenced societal perceptions, cultural attitudes, and geopolitical dynamics in the years that followed.
To this day, 9/11 remains a seminal event that continues to shape contemporary society and global affairs.