story954.xml

story954.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-08-01

I was at work, about 2 blocks south of the towers.. We heard the first explosion, but thought nothing of it. Then colleagues at out Jersey City location asked us if we were OK and if we were evacuating. We had no idea why they were asking this, then it was all over the news. We were in awe. Then, we heard a roar of an airplane, it went directly over us, then a huge explosion, one that I will never forget. Everyone in the office started to get more and more concerned.. would they fall?.. were there more planes coming?.. would we make it home alive ??.
In retrospect, staying inside instead of going out right away probably saved us from exposure to the debri. When the towers came down, it was instantly night, the building was engulfed, smoke and ash was coming thru the vents and windows. It was very hard to breathe. I still have a caugh.
I will never forget that day, it seems as if it were yesterday, still have nightmares, still get saddened when I think of the people stranded at the top of the towers, the friends I lost, the feeling I would never see my family again. Something I hope we all never have to experience again. God bless...