When did the first plane hit the Twin Towers? This question, which echoes through the annals of history, marks the beginning of one of the darkest days in modern American history. On September 11, 2001, two commercial airplanes were hijacked by terrorists, with one of them crashing into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. This tragic event, known as 9/11, would go on to claim the lives of nearly 3,000 people and leave an indelible mark on the world.
The first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, departed from Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, at 7:59 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. It was en route to Los Angeles, California, when it was hijacked by five members of the terrorist group al-Qaeda. The hijackers, led by Mohamed Atta, commandeered the plane and crashed it into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m. The impact caused a massive explosion, which resulted in the deaths of 265 people on board the plane and another 2,753 people in the building.
The attack on the Twin Towers was part of a broader plot to target other high-profile landmarks in the United States. However, the other planes involved in the attacks were unable to reach their intended targets due to the heroic actions of passengers and crew members. United Airlines Flight 175, which had been hijacked moments after Flight 11, struck the South Tower of the World Trade Center at 9:03 a.m., causing the building to collapse later that day.
The events of 9/11 sparked an unprecedented global response, with nations around the world joining the United States in the fight against terrorism. The United States led an invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001, aiming to dismantle the Taliban regime and remove al-Qaeda from the country. This invasion would mark the beginning of the longest war in American history.
The attacks on the Twin Towers also had a profound impact on the American psyche, leading to increased security measures, changes in travel regulations, and a heightened sense of vigilance. The Twin Towers, once symbols of American strength and resilience, became a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the need for unity in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, the first plane hit the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, at 8:46 a.m. This tragic event would go on to change the course of history, leaving an indelible mark on the world and shaping the future of international relations and national security.
