Here's what I saw
 

I work on Broad Street, one block south of the Stock Exchange. Here's how my day went:

I got to the office all was fine. Early in the morning someone said he read on the net a plane had crashed into the Tower. We didn't hear it though. We figured it was an accident.

As we stood around discussing it and reading the news on the net we heard a **BOOOM**that shook the building. I thought it was a secondary explosion.

I went out side to the corner of Wall St. and Broadway to see the towers. I could only see tower #1.

The south side of the tower had a huge jagged gash about 45 degrees along the length of the building. Fire and smoke was along the East and North side. COuldn't see tower #2 but could see thick black smoke coming out of tower #2 and blowed SE.

Lots of offical papers and documents floating down. Also saw much items of clothing. I don't think it all came from the plane luggage either. :(

When I got back to the office I heard the Pentagon had been hit. Everyone was just standing around in shock. Then the Exec VP of Marketing came running in and yelled "Look out the windows!". We saw a cloud of thick dust rolling down the street. He yelled "We gotta get out of here!" So we evacuated down to the lobby (along with just about everyone else in the building).

I went out side to see if I could see the tower but with all the dust couldn't see more than a block or so.

The dust started to clear so I was going to make a break for it along with some co-workers to head North away from the dust. We went outside, got about 1/2 a block when ***BOOM*** something shook the ground. I could see the sillouette of a thick black cloud rolling down the street towards us.

I yelled for everyone to get back in the building and we made it back just in time as the debris cloud swept down the street. That was the cloud from the collapse of the first tower. After the second tower also collapsed it took a good 45 minutes or so for the air to clear somewhat to be able to go outside again.

I decided to walk East then North to get away from the dust. I was concerned about some contamination from the dust (who knows what the terrorists had put on the plane).

As I walked East the dust was coming down like snow. COuld hardly see. Lots of papers littered the street and more items of clothing. A couple of blocks away I ran into an EMT who was handing out breathing masks. It helped.

By the time I reached the Brooklybn bridge I was out of the dust cloud. Going by the court house and federal buildings there were armed riot police with shot guns and armor.

I finally made it up to 34th street where cops were ordering cars going through the tunnel (Queens Mid-Town Tunnel) to load up with passengers. I hoped on a truck to Queens. TO make the story a bit shorter. I was dropped off along Queens Blvd and walked a couple of miles to my mother's house in Jackson Heights. Staying the night here then going out to LI tomorrow.

Glad you made it Jaiem. We were concerned. Incredible event to have to experience that close.

Jaiem, I had a similar walk to 35th street. What a sad day. Glad to hear you're alright.

Good to see you made it. Prayers tonight for everyone still there and those that will never make it home.

I can't imagine what it was like being there, I'm in shock still and that's only from watching the reports. Glad you made it out ok.

Glad to hear you made it out OK. I am praying for those who didn't and the thousands of families they left behind.

I spoke to someone at my company today. The guy we had at tower #2 is still MIA and is presumed lost. :(

I am glad you are ok and sorry about your co-worker. The shock from this will last a long time.

Jaiem, and others who were there,

I am relieved to have you all home (almost) and with your families. My cousin got out of Tower 2 and is cut up but safe. I am sure that I have numerous acquaintances from my years in the investment world that were not so lucky.

I have just returned from my sister and brother in law's as their partner in their printing business, Doug Stone, was confirmed on flight 11. Nothing is more final. None of it makes sense. At least we know where he is. My heart goes out to the families of the missing, including those of the rescuers. I know we all share in their grief and pray they didn't suffer too much.

While I can't quite process Douglas' loss, nor the loss of so many others, if any of you know how those of us so moved could somehow volunteer, dspite the lack of training, I would appreciate it.

Hug your loved ones and don't let go,

nightfighter

These colors don't run

A statement well said.


Jaiem, sorry to hear about coworker, we are glad to hear you are OK......my prayers are with you and all others directly affected.

One particular radio station in my area has been taking calls from listeners all day today, the reactions are enormous, so many wishing they could do more to help.......

Give blood please..
 

Just want to remind everyone to give blood if you can...it's a small thing but at least it's something. I'm not allowed to give (I didn't weigh enough..grrr!) but I encourage everyone to do it if you can. You can call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to find out where you can donate near you. Sorry if someone posted this already, I haven't been able to read all the posts as my connection is horrible. Love and prayers to all of you who have been directly affected. No matter any of our opinions, we need to stick together now.
mindi

Mindi......good thoughts...however some places arent even TAKING blood unless you are a certain type!

Can I donate some of my weight to you??? (sorry, attempted a little humor :( )