In the face of unimaginable horror, the passengers aboard hijacked planes on September 11, 2001, exhibited extraordinary courage and selflessness. Their harrowing phone calls to loved ones and emergency operators provided vital information about the unfolding events, inspiring countless individuals and shaping the nation's response to the tragedy.
On that fateful day, two planes hijacked by terrorists crashed into the World Trade Center's Twin Towers in New York City, while another struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. A fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was headed for Washington, D.C., but crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after heroic resistance from its passengers.
Through the lens of tragedy: The courageous phone calls from 9/11 passengers
The phone calls made by individuals aboard these doomed flights revealed their desperate attempts to alert authorities and loved ones about the hijacking. These conversations served as both a window into the tragedy and a testament to the resilience and determination of those who faced unimaginable circumstances.
One of the most poignant calls was made by Betty Ann Ong, a flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 11, which crashed into the North Tower. Her chilling conversation with an American Airlines reservation desk captured the chaotic and terrifying scenes unfolding on the plane. "Somebody's stabbed in business class, and, um, I think there's Mace and we can't breathe. I don't know, I think we are getting hijacked," she reported.
Through the lens of tragedy: The courageous phone calls from 9/11 passengers
Marion Britton, a passenger on Flight 93, called her friend, Fred Fuimano, at 9:49 a.m. and spoke of a harrowing situation aboard the plane. "Britton said her plane was hijacked and to take down the phone number," Fuimano later recounted. "She said the hijackers had cut two passengers throats."
Sandy Bradshaw, a flight attendant on Flight 93, reached out to the Speed Dial Fix number at United Airlines' maintenance facility in San Francisco. She reported that hijackers were on board, armed with knives and a bomb. Bradshaw also made a desperate call to her husband, Phil, sharing the gravity of the situation.
Through the lens of tragedy: The courageous phone calls from 9/11 passengers
Todd Beamer, another passenger on Flight 93, called GTE Airfone operators at 9:43 a.m. He revealed that the captain and first officer were injured or dead, and that the hijackers had bombs strapped to their waists. Beamer and a group of other passengers were planning to fight back against the hijackers.
In a heartbreaking phone call, Tom Burnett spoke to his wife, Deena, for 28 seconds at 9:30 a.m. from Flight 93. He informed her of the hijacking and the presence of a dead passenger. Deena urged her husband to remain calm and seek safety.
Through the lens of tragedy: The courageous phone calls from 9/11 passengers
Edward Felt, a passenger on Flight 93, dialed 911 at 9:58 a.m. and provided a detailed account of the unfolding events. "Hijacking in progress," he reported. "United Flight 93." Felt's phone call played a crucial role in alerting authorities to the downed plane's location.
Jeremy Glick, a passenger on Flight 93, called his mother-in-law's house and spoke to his wife, Lyzbeth. He revealed that he and other male passengers were preparing to rush the hijackers and asked Lyzbeth if they should proceed.
Through the lens of tragedy: The courageous phone calls from 9/11 passengers
CeeCee Lyles, a flight attendant on Flight 93, called her husband, Lorne, twice. In her first message, she expressed her love for her family and apologized for the unfolding tragedy. "I'm on a plane that's been hijacked," she said. In her second call, she reported that the hijackers were forcing their way into the cockpit and that the plane was about to go down.
Brian Sweeney, a former pilot and instructor for the United States Navy, called his wife, Julie, from United Flight 175. His message, recorded by his wife, revealed the terrifying situation aboard the plane. "Jules, this is Brian. Listen, I'm on an airplane that's been hijacked. If things don't go well, and it's not looking good, I just want you to know I absolutely love you," he said.
Through the lens of tragedy: The courageous phone calls from 9/11 passengers
Mark Bingham, a passenger on Flight 93, called his aunt's house and spoke to his mother, Alice Hoagland. He expressed his love and confirmed the hijacking, stating that the hijackers claimed to have a bomb. Hoagland's urgent questions went unanswered as the line went dead.
The heroic phone calls made by passengers aboard hijacked planes on September 11, 2001, continue to inspire and move us today. These individuals faced unimaginable adversity with courage and resilience, providing invaluable information and leaving an everlasting legacy of heroism. Their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made on that fateful day and the unbreakable spirit that resides within us all.
Through the lens of tragedy: The courageous phone calls from 9/11 passengers
