Sequence of Horror Attacks Against US

It is being called the most tragic hour of American history. A day of infamy, unprecedented in horror and shock.

On Tuesday, September 11, three hijacked planes crashed into major US landmarks. In New York, both of the World Trade Center's twin towers were destroyed. In Washington DC, the Pentagon was plunged into flames.

All time references are in local US time (Eastern Standard Time).

8:42 am:

A plane crashes into the first of the two towers of the World Trade Center in downtown New York. Witnesses report a terrible "accident" and both buildings are being evacuated.

9:05 am:

A second plane slams into the other World Trade Center tower. Film footage reveals what looks like a deliberate crash. Suspicion arises that the two plane crashes were terrorist-related.

9:24 am:

US President George W. Bush, in Sarasota, Florida, refers to the crashes as a "national tragedy" and an "apparent terrorist attack".

9:35 am:

A third aircraft crashes into the Pentagon in Washington DC. The southwest section of the building collapses under the impact. The Pentagon, the White House, and all other federal buildings are evacuated.

9:49 am:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounds all flights departing from US airports. It is the first ever national ground stop of air flights.

10:00 am:

One of the World Trade Center towers collapses, enveloping New York in a cloud of smoke.

10:25 am:

The FAA says all trans-Atlantic flights to and from the US are being diverted to Canada. Planes in the air are told to land at the next closest airport.

10:30 am:

The second World Trade Center tower collapses. Panic erupts in New York.

11:00 am:

New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani calls for evacuation of Lower Manhattan. He reports a "horrendous" loss of life.

11:27 am:

American Airlines confirms two of its planes crashed into the World Trade Center: A Boeing 767 with 81 passengers and 11 crew members en route from Boston to Los Angeles, as well as a Boeing 757 with 58 passengers and 6 crew members from Washington DC to Los Angeles.

11:29 am:

United Airlines confirms that flight 93 from Newark, New Jersey to San Francisco crashed into a wooded area 80 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The crash occurred at 10:29 am. The airline says it is "deeply concerned" about another plane en route from Boston to Los Angeles.

12:33 pm:

United Airlines confirms second plane crashed at an unknown location. Four planes are now confirmed crashed by American and United.

12:39 pm:

President Bush makes a second statement from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. He vows to "hunt down" and punish those responsible for the attacks.

1:20 pm:

President Bush leaves Barksdale Air Force Base for an undisclosed location somewhere in the Midwest.

6:00 pm:

Explosions light up the sky in Kabul, Afghanistan. US officials denied any involvement in the explosions, and said they were not strikes in response to the terror attack on America.

8:30 pm:

President Bush speaks to the American people in a nationally televised address. "Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror," he said.