in

Accidental and Candid Photos from the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attack

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, were a defining moment in history. Images from that day are forever etched in our collective memory: the burning Twin Towers, the billowing smoke plume, the desperate escape from lower Manhattan. But beyond the iconic scenes captured by news photographers, there exists another layer of imagery – the candid photographs taken by ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances.

 These images, captured by professionals and amateurs alike, offer a unique perspective on the tragedy, depicting moments around and far from the burning towers. Some were taken inadvertently as the attack unfolded; others document the day’s randomness against a backdrop of horror. There are images of people staring upward, their expressions a mix of fear, sorrow, and disbelief.  People in nearby buildings, streets, and even those in the towers themselves, are seen in various states of shock, some pausing to look back, others in mid-motion, not yet understanding the scale of the disaster unfolding.

As the first plane crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 AM, few could comprehend the magnitude of what was happening. At 9:03 AM, when United Airlines Flight 175 hit the South Tower, the world realized that America was under attack.

#16 Residents on the rooftop of an apartment building in Brooklyn watching the Twin Towers burn.

#20 Workers watch from Sixth Ave in Soho as the towers collapse

#21 New Yorkers watch the twin towers of the World Trade Center burn from Houston & Thompson Streets.

#22 Crowds on West Broadway view the twin towers of the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11th 2001

Avatar of Andrew Thompson

Written by Andrew Thompson

Andrew Thompson is an archaeologist and historian who specializes in the study of war and conflict. He writes about the brutal history of warfare, including the World Wars and other significant conflicts. Through his work, he aims to deepen our understanding of the human cost of conflict and inspire us to work towards a more peaceful future.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

One Comment