Joseph Dittmar, a survivor of the September 11 attacks who was in the South Tower at the time, recounts his harrowing experience of evacuation and loss. Dittmar, a commercial underwriting executive from Chicago, was on the 105th floor of the tower for a meeting when the first plane hit the North Tower. He recalls the confusion and fear as they were directed to evacuate down 105 flights of stairs, unaware of the full extent of the unfolding tragedy.
As Dittmar and others descended, they encountered the devastating scene of the North Tower, with flames and debris visible. Despite the chaos and terror, Dittmar made crucial decisions that ultimately saved his life, including choosing to stay in the stairwell instead of taking the elevator.
The moment of impact of the second plane hitting the South Tower, just moments after he reached the lobby, remains vivid in Dittmar’s memory. He describes the intense shaking and chaos as the tower collapsed, with the sound of thousands of people screaming on the streets of New York etched in his mind.
Reflecting on the events of that day, Dittmar expresses gratitude for the support and assistance provided by Canada, from first responders to the famous Gander story. He also acknowledges the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers in the aftermath of the attacks, emphasizing the importance of their efforts in making the world a safer place.
