USA TODAY spent two months finding out precisely what happened in the 1 hour, 42 minutes and 5 seconds from the first jet crash to the last building collapse. The newspaper identified where 95% of the victims worked or were located at the time of the attacks. In addition, it matched floor plans, architectural drawings and photographs to the accounts of survivors and victims.
The key findings: - The evacuation was a success. Nearly everyone who could get out did get out. - The number of dead was overestimated. The actual death toll is about 2,800, including rescue workers and the 157 people on the two jets. - The buildings were half-empty when the jets struck. USA TODAY estimates 5,000 to 7,000 were in each tower when the attack began. - Most of the dead were in the north tower, the first one hit and the second to collapse. USA TODAY documented 1,434 who died in the north tower vs. 599 in the south tower. - One stairway in the south tower remained open above the crash, but few used it to escape. Stairway A, one of three, was unobstructed from top to bottom. - Elevator mechanics left the buildings after the second jet hit. Dozens of people were trapped inside elevators at the time, according to the Port Authority. Full story at http://www.usatoday.com/hphoto.htm. Jeroen _________________________________________________________________________ Wonderful World of Brin-L Website: http://www.Brin-L.com Tom's Photo Gallery: http://tom.vanbaardwijk.com
