The tragic events of September 11, 2001, remain etched in the memory of the world. Understanding what time 9/11 happened is crucial for grasping the timeline of this devastating day and the sequence of events that unfolded. This article provides a detailed account of the timeline, offering clarity on the precise moments when each pivotal event occurred. By examining the timeline, we gain a deeper understanding of the attacks and their immediate aftermath.
The 9/11 Attacks: A Chronological Overview
To understand what time the 9/11 attacks occurred, it's essential to break down the events chronologically. The attacks were a coordinated series of strikes against the United States, carried out by the terrorist group al-Qaeda. Four commercial airplanes were hijacked, each intended to hit significant targets. Let's explore the timeline to fully grasp the day's events and the precise timings involved.
American Airlines Flight 11
American Airlines Flight 11, a Boeing 767 en route from Boston to Los Angeles, was the first plane to be hijacked. What time the first plane hit the World Trade Center is a crucial point in the 9/11 timeline. At 7:59 AM Eastern Time (ET), the flight departed from Boston's Logan International Airport. Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, the hijackers initiated their takeover. At 8:46 AM ET, American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. The impact occurred between the 93rd and 99th floors, causing immense devastation and setting off a massive fire. This moment marked the beginning of a day that would forever be remembered in history.
The immediate aftermath of the crash was chaotic. News outlets began reporting the incident, initially suggesting it might have been an accident. However, the sheer scale of the fire and the height at which the plane struck the building quickly raised suspicions that this was no ordinary aviation mishap. People inside the tower, and those watching from the ground, were in disbelief as the iconic skyscraper was engulfed in flames. The impact time of Flight 11 is a stark reminder of the abrupt and horrifying start to the day’s events.
United Airlines Flight 175
Just minutes after the first plane hit, the world watched in horror as the second plane approached. United Airlines Flight 175, also a Boeing 767 flying from Boston to Los Angeles, was the next to be hijacked. Understanding the timing of the second plane crash is crucial for grasping the scale and coordination of the attacks. Flight 175 departed from Boston at 8:14 AM ET. At 9:03 AM ET, it slammed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center, striking between the 77th and 85th floors. This second impact confirmed that the United States was under attack.
The collision of Flight 175 into the South Tower was even more visually jarring than the first. The angle of the approach allowed for clearer views of the plane as it hurtled toward the building. The resulting explosion and fire were immense, adding to the chaos and panic. With two of the world’s tallest buildings ablaze, it became clear that this was a deliberate and coordinated act of terrorism. Knowing the exact time of the second impact helps to contextualize the rapid escalation of the unfolding tragedy.
American Airlines Flight 77
While New York City was grappling with the unfolding disaster at the World Trade Center, another hijacked plane was headed towards Washington D.C. American Airlines Flight 77, a Boeing 757 flying from Washington Dulles International Airport to Los Angeles, was hijacked at 8:51 AM ET. The question of when the Pentagon was hit is vital to understanding the multi-pronged nature of the attacks. At 9:37 AM ET, Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, in Arlington, Virginia. The impact occurred on the western side of the building, causing a partial collapse. — FedEx Championship: Your Ultimate Guide To The PGA Tour Playoffs Finale
The attack on the Pentagon added another layer of shock and fear, demonstrating that the terrorists were targeting symbols of American economic and military power. The crash caused significant damage to the building and resulted in numerous casualties. The timeline of the Pentagon attack underscores the coordinated nature of the 9/11 assaults, highlighting the terrorists' strategic planning and execution. This attack reinforced the sense of vulnerability and the widespread impact of the day’s events.
United Airlines Flight 93
United Airlines Flight 93, a Boeing 757 flying from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco, became a symbol of courage and resistance on 9/11. The question of what time Flight 93 crashed is significant because of the heroic actions of the passengers and crew. The flight departed at 8:42 AM ET and was hijacked approximately 46 minutes later. The passengers and crew, learning about the earlier attacks via phone calls, fought back against the hijackers. At 10:03 AM ET, Flight 93 crashed in a field in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania, about 150 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. It is believed that the intended target was either the U.S. Capitol Building or the White House.
The bravery of the passengers and crew on Flight 93 prevented the terrorists from reaching their intended target, potentially saving countless lives. The crash time of Flight 93 is a testament to their selflessness and courage in the face of unimaginable terror. The story of Flight 93 remains a powerful example of human resilience and the willingness to fight for freedom and safety. Their actions transformed a potential catastrophe into a story of heroism and sacrifice.
The Collapse of the World Trade Center Towers
The collapse of the World Trade Center towers was a devastating spectacle that underscored the magnitude of the 9/11 attacks. Knowing when the Twin Towers collapsed provides a crucial understanding of the unfolding disaster and its immediate aftermath.
The South Tower
The South Tower was the second tower to be hit but the first to collapse. At 9:59 AM ET, the South Tower (WTC 2) crumbled to the ground after burning for 56 minutes. The intense heat from the fires, fueled by jet fuel and office materials, weakened the steel support structures, leading to the catastrophic failure of the building. The collapse time of the South Tower marked a significant escalation of the tragedy, sending shockwaves through the city and the world.
The collapse was a terrifying scene, with a massive cloud of dust and debris engulfing Lower Manhattan. Emergency responders and civilians alike were forced to flee the area. The structural failure of the South Tower highlighted the vulnerability of even the most iconic skyscrapers to such intense fires. This collapse underscored the severity of the attack and the immense challenges facing rescue efforts.
The North Tower
The North Tower (WTC 1), which was struck first, collapsed approximately 29 minutes after the South Tower. At 10:28 AM ET, the North Tower came crashing down after burning for 1 hour and 42 minutes. The timing of the North Tower's collapse is a crucial part of the 9/11 timeline, signaling the complete devastation of the World Trade Center.
Like the South Tower, the collapse of the North Tower sent a massive cloud of debris through the streets of New York City. The structural failure underscored the devastating impact of the fires and the immense forces at play. The times of the tower collapses are etched in the memory of those who witnessed the events, either in person or through media coverage. These collapses symbolized the immense loss and the profound impact of the attacks on the city and the nation.
7 World Trade Center
In addition to the Twin Towers, 7 World Trade Center (7 WTC), a 47-story building located across the street from the main complex, also collapsed later that day. Although it was not directly hit by a plane, debris from the collapsing North Tower ignited fires in 7 WTC. The time 7 World Trade Center collapsed is an important detail in understanding the full scope of the destruction.
At 5:21 PM ET, 7 WTC collapsed, becoming the third skyscraper at the World Trade Center site to fall. The collapse was attributed to the uncontrolled fires that weakened the building's structural integrity. The fall of 7 WTC further complicated rescue and recovery efforts and underscored the widespread devastation caused by the attacks. Understanding the full timeline of collapses is essential for grasping the extent of the 9/11 tragedy.
Immediate Aftermath and Response
The immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks was marked by chaos, confusion, and grief. The response times after 9/11 were critical in the effort to save lives and begin the long process of recovery. Emergency services, including firefighters, police officers, and paramedics, rushed to the scene to rescue survivors and battle the blazes. The attacks prompted an immediate and massive response from local, state, and federal agencies.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
In the hours and days following the attacks, rescue workers tirelessly searched the debris for survivors. The timeline of rescue efforts highlights the dedication and bravery of the first responders. Despite the immense challenges and dangers, they worked around the clock to find anyone who might still be alive. The recovery efforts were hampered by the sheer scale of the destruction and the ongoing fires.
Unfortunately, the number of survivors dwindled rapidly as time passed. Eventually, the focus shifted from rescue to recovery, with workers beginning the grim task of recovering the remains of the victims. The initial response timeline set the stage for the long and arduous recovery process that would follow, both physically and emotionally, for the city and the nation.
National and Global Reaction
The 9/11 attacks had a profound impact on the United States and the world. The immediate global response to the attacks was one of shock, grief, and solidarity. Leaders from around the world condemned the attacks and offered their support to the United States. The attacks led to significant changes in security measures, both domestically and internationally.
The United States launched the War on Terror in response to the attacks, targeting al-Qaeda and the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, which had provided the terrorist group with safe haven. The timeline of the global reaction to 9/11 underscores the far-reaching consequences of the attacks and the international efforts to combat terrorism. The events of that day reshaped global politics and security strategies for years to come.
Conclusion
Understanding what time 9/11 happened is crucial for grasping the timeline and sequence of events of that tragic day. From the initial impact of American Airlines Flight 11 at 8:46 AM ET to the collapse of 7 World Trade Center at 5:21 PM ET, each moment is a stark reminder of the devastation and loss. The attacks prompted immediate responses, both in rescue efforts and global reactions, which continue to shape our world today. The timeline of 9/11 serves as a somber historical record and a testament to the resilience and unity that emerged in the aftermath of the tragedy.
FAQ About the 9/11 Attacks
What specific time did the first plane hit the World Trade Center on 9/11?
American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 AM Eastern Time (ET) on September 11, 2001. This marked the beginning of the series of attacks that would unfold throughout the day, causing immense devastation and loss of life in New York City.
At what time did the second plane crash into the World Trade Center South Tower?
United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center at 9:03 AM Eastern Time (ET). This second impact confirmed that the attacks were a deliberate and coordinated act of terrorism, leading to widespread panic and heightened emergency responses.
What time did American Airlines Flight 77 hit the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia?
American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon at 9:37 AM Eastern Time (ET). This attack on the U.S. Department of Defense headquarters further underscored the scope and severity of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, adding to the day's tragic events. — Zimbabwe Vs New Zealand: A Riveting Cricket Rivalry
What was the specific time that United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania?
United Airlines Flight 93 crashed at 10:03 AM Eastern Time (ET) in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania. The heroic actions of the passengers and crew prevented the plane from reaching its intended target, believed to be either the U.S. Capitol Building or the White House.
At what time did the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapse during the 9/11 attacks?
The South Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed at 9:59 AM Eastern Time (ET), 56 minutes after being struck by United Airlines Flight 175. Its collapse marked a significant turning point in the day’s events, highlighting the structural damage caused by the intense fires. — Kenneth Murray Jr.: The Rising Star In The NFL
What was the time of the North Tower collapse at the World Trade Center on September 11th?
The North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed at 10:28 AM Eastern Time (ET), approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes after being hit by American Airlines Flight 11. This collapse added to the catastrophic nature of the attacks and the immense challenges for rescue efforts.
When did 7 World Trade Center collapse, and why did it occur during the 9/11 attacks?
7 World Trade Center collapsed at 5:21 PM Eastern Time (ET) on September 11, 2001. Although it was not directly hit by a plane, the building collapsed due to structural failure caused by uncontrolled fires ignited by debris from the collapsing Twin Towers.
Can you provide a timeline of the key events that transpired on September 11, 2001?
Key events of 9/11 include: 8:46 AM ET, Flight 11 hits WTC North Tower; 9:03 AM ET, Flight 175 hits WTC South Tower; 9:37 AM ET, Flight 77 hits the Pentagon; 9:59 AM ET, WTC South Tower collapses; 10:03 AM ET, Flight 93 crashes in Pennsylvania; 10:28 AM ET, WTC North Tower collapses; and 5:21 PM ET, 7 World Trade Center collapses. This timeline highlights the coordinated nature and swift progression of the attacks.
External Links:
- National September 11 Memorial & Museum: https://www.911memorial.org/
- History Channel - 9/11 Attacks: https://www.history.com/topics/21st-century/9-11-attacks
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): https://www.fema.gov/
