Remembering 9/11: The Timeline of Tragedy

This week, as we approach the anniversary, the question "what time was 911 attacks?" is on many minds. This article delves into the precise timeline of that devastating day, September 11, 2001, providing a clear understanding of the events as they unfolded.

What Time Was 911 Attacks: The Initial Strikes

The attacks began early in the morning on the East Coast of the United States. Understanding the precise timings helps us grasp the speed and scale of the unfolding tragedy.

  • 8:46:40 AM EDT: American Airlines Flight 11, en route from Boston to Los Angeles, crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. The impact occurred between the 93rd and 99th floors. This initial strike signaled the beginning of an unimaginable day. The query "what time was 911 attacks" often leads back to this critical moment.

What Time Was 911 Attacks: The South Tower Impact

Just a few minutes later, the world watched in horror as a second plane struck the other tower.

  • 9:03:02 AM EDT: United Airlines Flight 175, also traveling from Boston to Los Angeles, hit the South Tower of the World Trade Center. This impact occurred between the 77th and 85th floors. The coordinated nature of the attacks became chillingly apparent. Many remember exactly where they were when they heard about the second plane; searching for "what time was 911 attacks" reflects the desire to understand the context of that moment.

What Time Was 911 Attacks: The Pentagon Attack

The attacks weren't limited to New York City. Washington D.C. also became a target.

  • 9:37:46 AM EDT: American Airlines Flight 77, which had departed from Washington Dulles International Airport and was bound for Los Angeles, crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The plane struck the west side of the building, causing a partial collapse. The question "what time was 911 attacks" extends beyond the Twin Towers, encompassing the Pentagon and the lives lost there.

What Time Was 911 Attacks: The Pennsylvania Crash

The final plane involved in the attacks never reached its intended target, thanks to the bravery of passengers and crew.

  • 10:03:11 AM EDT: United Airlines Flight 93, traveling from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco, crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Passengers and crew fought back against the terrorists, preventing the plane from reaching its intended target, believed to be the U.S. Capitol Building or the White House in Washington D.C. The timeline of "what time was 911 attacks" highlights the heroism displayed on Flight 93.

The Aftermath: Collapses and Casualties

Following the impacts, both World Trade Center towers collapsed, resulting in immense devastation and loss of life.

  • 9:58:59 AM EDT: The South Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.
  • 10:28:22 AM EDT: The North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.

The collapse of the towers created a massive cloud of debris and dust, engulfing lower Manhattan. The events of 9/11 resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people, including those in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania.

Remembering and Reflecting on "What Time Was 911 Attacks"

The attacks of September 11th, 2001, remain a pivotal moment in modern history. Understanding the timeline - knowing "what time was 911 attacks" - helps us to remember the sequence of events, honor the victims, and reflect on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy. It's a day etched in our collective memory.

Summary: What time were the 9/11 attacks?

Q: What time did the first plane hit the World Trade Center? A: 8:46:40 AM EDT

Q: What time did the South Tower collapse? A: 9:58:59 AM EDT

Q: What time did Flight 93 crash in Pennsylvania? A: 10:03:11 AM EDT

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