9/11 Attacks: A Timeline of the Devastating Aircraft Hijackings

Prelude to the Attacks

The 9/11 attacks were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States on the morning of September 11, 2001. The attacks resulted in 2,977 fatalities, over 25,000 injuries, and substantial long-term health consequences, in addition to at least $10 billion in infrastructure and property damage.

The attacks were the deadliest terrorist acts in world history and the single deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers in the history of the United States.

The Hijackings

The hijackings began at 7:59 AM Eastern Time when American Airlines Flight 11, a Boeing 767, departed from Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, bound for Los Angeles, California. At 8:14 AM, United Airlines Flight 175, also a Boeing 767, departed from Logan International Airport, bound for Los Angeles.

At 8:46 AM, American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. At 9:03 AM, United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

The World Trade Center Collapse

The impact of the planes and the resulting fires caused both towers of the World Trade Center to collapse. The North Tower collapsed at 10:28 AM, and the South Tower collapsed at 9:56 AM

The Pentagon Attack

At 9:37 AM, American Airlines Flight 77, a Boeing 757, crashed into the Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, in Arlington, Virginia.

The Flight 93 Crash

At 10:03 AM, United Airlines Flight 93, a Boeing 757, crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The passengers and crew of Flight 93 are believed to have fought back against the hijackers, preventing the plane from reaching its intended target.

Aftermath

The 9/11 attacks had a profound impact on the United States and the world. The attacks led to the War on Terror, a global campaign against terrorism, and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.

The attacks also led to increased security measures at airports and other public places, and a heightened awareness of the threat of terrorism.

Conclusion

The 9/11 attacks were a tragic event that claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people. The attacks had a profound impact on the United States and the world, and they continue to be a reminder of the threat of terrorism.