story8376.xml

story8376.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-10-05

I was at my desk from 8:15. At 8:45 I heard a banging and explosive sound like large containers falling. I receiveds many calls for our security. Some one from the office notifiesd that a plane went into world trade center. I looked out window and could see white,grey smoke and tickertape paper than I got my things together in case. I heard people in my office say another plane hit the other wtc. One lady saw the fire ball. I sat at my desk ready to go with purse around shooulder and jacket on and bags at my feet. Finally the quards came up to our floor and our director ssaid to evacuate. We walked down twenty stairs and some took elevator. We waited on trading floor and some brokers were not in yet, and some ran out. By this time i called home and met my best friend who stayed with me through the whole thing. We were told at one point not to flee because of smoke and debris.
On the floor we waited till twelve thirty. Some came in frome outside dusted and at one point we went in sub basement 4 floors down. People washed dust off in the many sinks. Some were treated for asthma. Our security guards did such a good job taking care of us, directing people and distributing maskes and water and rags for the smoke. Also the cafeteria people took good care of us giving cookies and water and later on, sandwiches. I was so upset and only drank water. I prayed throgh the whole thing and even gathered a few people too pray. At 12:30, we werer fainally told to go home and I could see all that sticky gray duct with papers all over the streets that were so familiar on happier times. I was furtunate to get the ferry because before me and after me there was a halt. All
the life jackets were out on ferry. When I got home, I was so thankful, and hugged everyone. To God be the glory. pray for this country. Angela Tirone