In the wake of a horrific attack on the United States, New York has come to a standstill and a pall hangs over America. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the assaults, which are believed to have claimed the lives of thousands.
“Today we’ve had a national tragedy,” said US President George in an initial reaction after attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. “Two airplanes have crashed into the World Trade Center in an apparent terrorist attack on our country.”
Tony was among the first to react to the tragedy, expressing his shock and offering condolences. Official remarks from around the world have been issued, including statements from Arab leader yasser.
The effects of the attacks were soon felt throughout the US. The Kennedy Space Center in Florida was under an “enhanced security awareness”, the US-Mexico border has been closed and evacuations were ordered at the tallest skyscrapers in major cities. Popular tourist attractions, including Disney World in Florida, the Gateway Arch in St Louis and Seattle’s Space Needle were shut down due to security fears. And late in the day, it was announced that Hollywood’s upcoming Emmy Awards and Tuesday night’s Latin Grammys, both due to take place in LA, have been “postponed indefinitely.”
The devastating assault, which has caused worldwide shock, saw commercial planes carrying hundreds of passengers used as missiles against US targets including the World Trade Center. New York City has come to a standstill; for the first time in history a “national halt” has been called – meaning that no airplanes are taking off within the US; New York hospitals have been flooded with casualties and medical centres are calling for blood donations. Burn and laceration reports are extensive.
The mayhem began early Tuesday morning, Eastern Standard Time. Two hijacked passenger planes carrying hundreds of people crashed into the upper floors of the World Trade Center in downtown Manhattan, New York, in the heart of the financial district. The first crash occurred around 8:45am; the second 18 minutes later. The world famous Twin Towers subsequently collapsed, trapping what may have been thousands.
An estimated 50,000 people would have been in the buildings during the height of morning rush hour, and 150,000 individuals visit the centre daily.
“I have a sense it’s a horrendous number of lives lost,” says New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Multiple jets had been reported hijacked, of which four have crashed. In addition to the World Trade Center attacks, a third plane struck the Pentagon in Washington DC, causing both the Pentagon and the White House to be evacuated. Eyewitnesses told of a jet gaining speed as it descended, knocking off street lights as it approached. The impact of the crash left a hole in the massive structure approximately 30 metres wide and 10 metres deep.
United Airlines also confirmed that a Boston to LA flight carrying 65 people crashed. Though the airline did not confirm the accident location, it is reported that the flight may have been the jet that hit the Pentagon.
A fourth airliner crashed near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is reported that the plane was was travelling at an altitude of about 2,000 feet with no landing gear down. The plane began to climb, banked to the right, and then crashed at a 45-degree angle. It is believed that the 45 passengers and crew on board were killed.
In Washington DC, 10,000 emergency personnel have been dispersed and US F-16 fighter planes are circling both New York and Washington, DC.
The Twin Towers were struck in 1993 when a bomb in an underground parking lot exploded. Six people were killed.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
