Cincinnati Firefighter Recounts Harrowing Experience Escaping World Trade Center Collapse on 9/11

A First-Hand Account from the Front Lines

Firefighter Michael Dugan, a Cincinnati native, was among the first responders who rushed to the World Trade Center following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Nearly two decades later, he vividly recalls the harrowing experience of escaping the collapse of the Twin Towers.

The Initial Response

Responding to the Call

Dugan, then a 30-year-old firefighter, was on duty at his firehouse in Brooklyn when the first plane struck the North Tower. He and his fellow firefighters immediately boarded their fire truck and headed towards the World Trade Center.

Arriving at the Scene

As Dugan and his team arrived at the scene, they encountered chaos and destruction. The North Tower was engulfed in flames, and people were jumping from the windows in a desperate attempt to escape.

Ascending the North Tower

Fighting the Flames

Despite the overwhelming odds, Dugan and his team charged into the North Tower. They encountered intense heat and smoke as they climbed the stairs, battling the flames and searching for survivors.

Up to the 78th Floor

Dugan and his team reached the 78th floor, where they encountered a group of trapped office workers. They helped the workers to safety and continued their ascent.

The Collapse

The South Tower Falls

As Dugan and his team approached the 80th floor, they heard a thunderous roar. They looked out the window and saw the South Tower, struck by a second plane, collapsing in a cloud of dust and debris.

The North Tower Begins to Fail

Within minutes, the North Tower began to shake violently. Dugan and his team realized that the building was going to collapse. They made a mad dash for the stairs and headed down.

Escape from the Rubble

Trapped in the Darkness

As the tower collapsed, Dugan was thrown into a cloud of dust and debris. He lost consciousness and woke up trapped in the darkness, surrounded by broken concrete and steel.

Emerging from the Wreckage

Dugan managed to free himself from the rubble and stumbled through the wreckage. He eventually made his way to the street, where he was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The Aftermath

Returning to Cincinnati

Dugan returned to his home in Cincinnati as a hero. He was hailed for his courage and dedication, and his story served as an inspiration to countless others.