https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XU_6TF7x6SI
John Bertels was working as a banking consultant at Battery Park Plaza, about a mile from The World Trade Center on 9/11. He had just finished up a phone call when a co-worker came running in to report a plane had hit The World Trade Center. Moving to a room that had a clear view to the towers, they saw smoke billowing out, and suddenly, another plane flying at a very low altitude.
As they both wondered aloud “What is going on?”, the plane swept by their window, flying right into the second tower, exploding before their eyes. The shock wave sent them running from the room, fearing their windows would shatter. Higher-ups quickly closed off that room, to prevent others from being exposed to the unfolding horror. Minutes later, the office workers were told to go down to the lobby. From there, they heard a barrage of noise and sirens, with no idea what was going on.
There were no smart phones at the time and the few who had cellphones weren’t getting a signal. In what felt like a major earthquake, everything shook, and they helplessly watched a cloud coming down Broadway, followed by the collapse of the second tower. With fears their building’s integrity was compromised, the office workers were told to leave. After sheltering in another building a few blocks south, Bertels just wanted to get home.
With the subways shutdown, he had to walk to his train at Grand Central Station, more than 6-and-a half miles away. As he walked, he watched as his burgundy colored shirt and black pants turned gray from the pulverized dust, all that was left of the once towering World Trade Center towers.