Michael Hingson, a blind survivor of 9/11, and his guide dog, Roselle, recount their harrowing escape from the 78th floor of the World Trade Center's north tower.
In the heart of the chaos and terror of September 11, 2001, amidst the crumbling towers of the World Trade Center, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of Stairwell B. This nondescript staircase became a sanctuary for a group of emergency responders and a civilian, who miraculously survived the collapse of the north tower.
Among the survivors was Michael Hingson, a blind man who had been working as a computer consultant in the north tower when the plane struck. With his faithful guide dog, Roselle, by his side, Hingson descended 78 floors through dense smoke and debris-filled hallways.
The Miracle of Stairwell B: A Survivor's Story
As the group made their descent, they encountered Josephine Harris, a bookkeeper for the Port Authority who was unable to walk due to an injured leg. With compassion, the firefighters carried Harris down the stairs, forming an unbreakable bond that would last for years to come.
At 10:28 a.m., as the group approached the 22nd floor, they heard an ominous rumbling echoing through the stairwell. Moments later, the north tower collapsed around them, but miraculously, the stairwell held firm, providing protection for the trapped individuals.
The Miracle of Stairwell B: A Survivor's Story
"The tower came down like a peeling banana," said Capt. John "Jay" Jonas, FDNY's chief from Ladder Co. 6, "and it peeled around us."
The survivors huddled together in the stairwell, their hearts pounding with both fear and a flicker of hope. They had no idea if they would ever escape, but they remained determined to stay alive.
The Miracle of Stairwell B: A Survivor's Story
As the dust settled, the survivors realized the magnitude of their survival. They had witnessed the unthinkable, but they had also found strength and resilience in each other.
The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City now houses Stairwell B, a testament to the resilience and courage of those who survived this horrific event. The stairwell serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile nature of life and the indomitable spirit that can emerge even in the darkest of times.
The Miracle of Stairwell B: A Survivor's Story
For Michael Hingson, the story of Stairwell B is not just a story of survival, but also a story of the unwavering bond between a man and his guide dog. Roselle's unwavering loyalty and companionship provided Hingson with a sense of hope and purpose during their harrowing descent.
Today, Hingson continues to share his story with audiences around the world, inspiring others to overcome adversity and to always believe in the possibility of hope, even in the face of tragedy. The Miracle of Stairwell B stands as a symbol of the resilience, compassion, and unity that can emerge from even the most devastating of events.
