Today marks the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 attack on America.
And, while so much has happened since then, it remains one of the most historic moments in recent memory, largely because people the world over were watching the horror unfold live on television.
Like the death of JFK or Princess Diana, everyone recalls where they were, and what they were doing, when the 9/11 attacks unfolded.
And while the date is always remembered, often the details are not. Here’s a few fast facts about the event that shook the world.
– With 2 996 people killed – 400 of which were emergency personnel such as firefighters and policemen – the attack was the largest loss of life by a foreign attack on American soil.
– The 9/11 attacks include two planes that flew into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre (New York), a third plane that hit the Pentagon (Washington), and a fourth plane that crashed in a field near Shanksville (Pennsylvania). The last plane was re-claimed by passengers on board and never hit its intended target.
– More than 6 000 people were injured during the attack itself. However, in 2007, the New York City medical examiner’s office added to the list of victims by including people who’d died from illnesses related to dust exposure in the nearby vicinity.
– Nearly 70% of rescue workers have lung problems after inhaling asbestos and fumes at the site. In 2019, the US Senate passed a bill that ensured the fund to compensate victims of the 9/11 attacks never runs out of money, and that first responders would not have to return to Congress to appeal for further funding.
– The clean-up operation at Ground Zero only officially ended on 30 May, 2002, removing 1.8-million tons of debris, costing $750 million.
– After 9/11, the United States established The Department of Homeland Security to prevent further terrorist attacks.
– 10 years ago, NASA engineers turned aluminium scraps from the 9/11 site into cable shields, used to protect the rock abrasion tools on two Mars Rovers – Spirit and Opportunity.
– Some other financial considerations related to 9/11 (sourced from CNN):
$123 billion: The estimated financial loss the month after the attack as well as declining air travel the following years.
$60 billion: The estimated cost of the damage to the buildings, infrastructure and subway facilities.
$40 billion: The value of an emergency anti-terrorism package approved by the US Congress on 14 September, 2001.
$9.3 billion: The insurance claims arising from the 9/11 attacks.
– Actor, Jackie Chan, was originally scheduled to be on top of the World Trade Centre on the morning of 9/11 for a movie, but the screenwriter didn’t deliver the script on time so the shoot was re-scheduled.
– The New York Times wrote an article about every single 9/11 victim in a series entitled ‘Portraits of Grief’.
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, which organises the annual Tribute in Light every year, has announced an interruption to tradition because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Rather, an alternative tribute will see tall buildings across New York illuminate their spires and facades with blue lights.
