9/11 Stories: WTC Survivor Tim Frolich

Working on the 80th floor of the South Tower for Fuji Bank Unlimited, Tim Frolich almost died at least twice on 9/11. Once, he was saved by fate; the second, his death was thwarted by the only female Port Authority cop to die that day, 46 year old Captain Cathy Mazza, Port Authority Police Lt. Robert Cirri, who also died later that day, and an unknown New York City firefighter.
Frolich and his best friend, Jack Andreacchio, were voluntary fire wardens for the 80thfloor of The South Tower. After the North Tower was hit, PA announcements in the South Tower advised that the situation in the North Tower was controlled, and everyone should stay in place. But with the smell of smoke soon permeating the halls of the 80th floor of the South Tower, Tim and Jack walked the stairs to the higher floors of the Fuji Bank offices, advising people to come down to the lower floors. Frolich remembers 4-5 Senior Vice-Presidents refusing to leave. They were among the 25-30 Fuji Bank employees who died minutes later.
With more smoke filling hallways, Frolich and his best friend started the walk down to the lobby. Stopping to rest at the 60th floor, then pushing open a door, he heard a pop. Ceiling tiles came raining down. Thrown to the floor, he had no clue that the South Tower had just been hit by the second plane between the 75 and 85th floors, from where Tim and Jack had escaped minutes earlier. Tim made it down safely just before the South Tower collapsed. Jack apparently headed back up the stairs to help others to safety, one of the close to 3,000 to die that day in Lower Manhattan.
Minutes after Frolich left the South Tower, the building collapsed. Frolich was caught in the dust cloud. Everything went pitch black. Someone yelled “Run”. Frolich cried out , “Where are we running to?”. Someone (who turned out to be an FDNY’er) reached out and grabbed him , pulling him into a building and down a stairwell. Both fell down the stairs. Frolich heard a snap. It was his ankle. He couldn’t walk. The firefighter who had pulled him in to safety told him to stay put, that he would be back to help get him out. A long 30 minutes later, that still unidentified firefighter returned with Port Authority Police Captain Cathy Mazza and PA Police Lt. Robert Cirri, who all carried him to safety. The Port Authority cops died later that day, trying to save others. Frolich is still trying to find the firefighter. All he knows is he was with Engine 10/Ladder 10, the firehouse closest to The World Trade Center.
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[@Trishpage312]

I'm unsure why... but I can't stop watching these. I am so grateful to hear their stories. Very helpful. Such a wonderful person. God bless.

[@dannywalker6279]

You and me both, I always tried to pay my tribute at this time but this year I have really got into hearing there stories, I can only imagine the terror these people went through, I wish this country could get back to the way it felt after the attacks when we all seemed to really come together

[@shutupdeck]

Me too… It’s been 20 years and I’m still as confused as I was that day… these stories make me cry but I can’t not listen

[@YellowRoses10]

Trish Page, the same with me🌼

[@frankelder1158]

I avoided watching or listening to anything after 9/11. I would remember the day when it was the anniversary but nothing more. Only recently I thought it's best to honor the dead and those that went through the awful day by listening to their stories. My distant cousin (second cousin I guess) died in WTC1. I never met him but I know his parents and I feel I should hear the real stories like this gentleman's so I almost know what he went through.

[@AK-jt9gx]

Me too, I’ve been listening all week. I was 3 at the time so now, as a young adult, the tragedy is properly hitting me for the first time.

[@kingvicgaming2638]

Who else is on a 9/11 watching binge

[@vincentm.7462]

I can’t stop dude

[@AIRMANBEAR]

I HAD FLIGHT RESERVATIONS ON UNTED THAT VERY DAY .. I CANT STOP WATCHING EITHER .

[@andrealudwig6754]

I'm watching several stories myself. It's May 2024. Can't stop!!

[@2sarahloves]

I literally cannot stop with these survivor stories. They are all so different and detailed. The humanity that ran through the victims is amazing. I hope society always holds on to a bit of that.

[@bane2429]

Me too

[@simonacland9028]

Well said

[@victorpeirce4753]

*The days and weeks after 911 was sadly the only time that America was truly "United" together as one. Didn't matter what race,colour you we're, everyone became "United". But slowly after a while, everyone just got back to how it was before, and people are not "United". Now in 2O24 we are so far from being "United". Social media has taken over all of us, with so many people just having their heads just buried into their phones all day, and missing out on all the good things in life. It's actually Sad what we have become. We are definitely not "United" as one anymore. It only lasted briefly, but when it did, it was a beautiful thing. Everyone was helping each other no matter what. If everyone showed kindness to everyone, instead of hate, the world would be such a better place.💯%*

[@jeffk8247]

Tim you might have met my brother he was the fireman NYFD Paul Hanlon Keating getting people out through the revolving doors in the south tower. Paulie stayed to long and was killed he was the last person found in-tacked next to the revolving doors 5 months later. When I went to the city to bring him home they told me what he did. Just a FYI and loved your story thank God you made it.

[@cindyvining7866]

So sorry for your loss. Your brother was a hero.

[@survivormary1126]

I'm so sorry about your brother. How brave and selfless of him. Blessings to you and yours.

[@anjou6497]

⚘️💙🦋

[@pgp3542]

So many heroes. Your brother is in a good place.. one day you will see him.

[@jeffk8247]

@@pgp3542 thank you

[@tttheog]

I wish they would have ordered an evacuation of both towers instead of telling people to stay put. I commend this man for his bravery that day. We will never forget. ❤

[@meganfarrer626]

I agree I think about that a lot when I listen to these stories

[@jcny11]

One of the things we’ve learned is don’t wait, just go.

[@kaiw522]

I think about that everytime I hear these... just awful they were worried about evacuees "getting in the way". If both buildings can't evacuate at the same time there is something wrong with the fire codes here!

[@kaiw522]

@@jcny11 yes but some people are very obedient and want to listen to instructions. Better safe that sorry we should never hold anyone back from evacuating

[@NickyD]

problem is nobody knew a second plane was ever coming plus people leaving the north tower would have caused deleys and they didnt want people from WTC 2 to be in the way of the WTC 1 evucated plus really who would have think a second plane would have hit 15 mintues later

[@alejandroperezdonis1817]

You people from USA are the older brother. Your pain is part of ours. I send you my respects and love. I pray to God that the United States continues to be the land of freedom, greetings from Venezuela.

[@triciac1019]

Thank you, how kind! I am from Northern Utah in the USA.

[@willmack5909]

Bless you for that very heartfelt comment :') Truly....thank you

[@cathyizzo7886]

Thank you, you're very kind

[@captainfoxheart]

Oh my gosh bless you too! Venezuela needs so much help as well

[@CanYouRememberWhen]

What a great guy, I think anyone would be happy to be his friend. I've listened to him speak only a short time, and I'm feeling like I wish I was his neighbor. Every year I look for things to watch about 9/11, my way of paying respect to all who died that day, and to remember the people who lived through it. A day to remember how people's differences didn't matter, and wish people could still feel some of that now. Thank you for sharing your story Tim, I'm so glad I started my day with it.

[@favouritemoon4133]

I'm in the UK and ending my day with it. I share your feelings.

[@tpw9099]

I do the same thing yearly it’s my way as well, seems to bring me a little closer to the people in some way, and this man is who I ended my day with as well & he does seem like a gem! I agree

[@kalnedlewil2897]

Beautiful way of putting how a lot alot of us feel , thanks 🙏

[@thisisme3238]

Agree

[@thebreakofdawnzinaz2898]

I do the same thing every year. I try to watch a lot about 9/11, what lead to it, what happened after, documentaries of that day. These stories are excellent. We should never forget.

[@Mcat78]

There's a story from a man named Brian Clark who worked on the 84th floor and saved a man named Stanley who worked for Fujii as well on the 81st floor and the wing went through his window. They were also TOLD that their building, the SOUTH tower was SECURE. The people who had left went back in.

[@timsimmons9995]

Madness to stay in these towers. Even more, madness to have left, seen the carnage, death, suicide jumpers, and think, "I better go back in to work and check my important emails." Utter madness. GET OUT. GO HOME. This silliness cost people their lives. Inability to think for themselves. Sheep. Tragically many died for inability to think for themselves. NOTHING at work was so important to ignore a * plane hitting the building, and hundreds dying at that point. That is sufficient information to go home.

[@stephenn8366]

His wife's just going about her business in the background 😂

[@lolitagrant6751]

😂Thought the same!

[@katiek3396]

I think it's kinda beautiful. He's speaking about the worst day for so many people and yet there's a normalcy in this. Life continues. We prevail even in the most hopeless moments.

[@annhalton1963]

Doing chores is great therapy for anxiety.

[@ah3738]

Thought the same also. 😃 bless 🙏

[@deborahbergman3566]

so was their cat haha

[@sueandpatrick]

I lived on Fulton Street in my 20's and I worked in both towers - by 9/11 I was living in Connecticut and had my baby - watching the TV coverage of my old building and neighborhood was shocking and so sad.I'm so grateful that Tim survived.

[@sian2337]

It’s shocking that the hr people went back inside the building; and returned to their floor. Heartbreaking.

[@thisisme3238]

They were told to go back by security. I think that was the WRONG thing to tell them. If they could have left the building, possibly more would have survived. At least they would have had more of a chance for survival. Guess security was afraid of a "mad rush" for the doors and casualties would have occured... that's the only reason I can see for security making their decision.

[@marieharris1230]

@@thisisme3238 THAT WAS A REALLY REALLY REALLY BAD DECISION. IT MAKES NO SENSE TO ME WHATSOEVER. I WOUKD HAVE RUN FROM THAT BLDG IMMEDIATELY! ThebSecurity guards who did that must suffer terrible guilt . I can’t even imagine! That’s the result of listening to “AUTHORITY”. Without questioning anything!

[@thisisme3238]

@@marieharris1230 Agree...I would have just ignored the security guards and kept on going...out the door too!

[@kristinwallace6551]

@@thisisme3238 Security had no idea the building would collapse, they likely were sending people back to their offices so that they wouldn't get killed by falling debris when leaving the building. Very sad.

[@thisisme3238]

@@kristinwallace6551 Agree, extremely sad. Little did they know, they were returning to their deaths. Still, to this day, this really bothers me.

[@JustAnAverageWoman69]

I really struggle with the fact that people were told not to evaluate. The buildings had been a terrorist target in the past, so why wouldn't those in charge take that into consideration and evacuate everyone, just in case? You don’t mess around with people's lives! The mere possibility of it being a second terrorist attack should have prompted them to evacuate the building.

[@CruceEntertainment]

Probably their ego. They did not want to admit that they were not in control of the situation.

[@emarie1513]

Strangely we learned two things from these accounts-that being late for work and thinking for yourself can save your life

[@mmljzta6]

They didnt want everyone to panic probably didn't want mass hysteria

[@Bones.x]

Money. Imagine missing a day of work 🙃

[@derekduvallshow327]

The other building was raining debris and bodies, too dangerous to try and police 7000 people if they didn’t have to. It makes sense at the time, no one knew another plane would hit the other tower.

[@favouritemoon4133]

I want to thank all the people who took part in these interviews. It can't be easy to recount what must have been [for many of them] the absolute worst day of their lives. Tim Frolich, thank YOU for this very detailed account. We have to 'know' as much as we can. Even though we may never truly understand what you went through, I think knowing as much as we can, helps those of us who were not there to really *think* about it, and to *remember*, and remembering is imperative because the physical and psychological effects of 9/11 are going to continue for decades to come for those directly affected and even beyond. Also, Tim, you are 'one of those people' who helped that day.

[@lauran.9427]

Favourite Moon....So true and so well written. Thank you for expressing words we all feel and want to say❤

[@joannebattersby8365]

One thing that has struck since 2001 is that every person that I heard interviewed showed such courage and humanity while actually playing down their role. I had a personal experience with this also- my Dad was 42 yrs on the fire dept in No Ontario and he died at 63 riddled with the multiple cancers that those 42 yrs had caused. When Dad dued- and his courage was incredible - the stories!! The people he had saved, the firefighters he had saved!. I knew he was brave but I had no idea. When they carried Dad out from the church there were men in sunglasses all thru the congregation- men silently weeping. It gave me great comfort. Bless you for your message to this lovely man

[@Whatsahandle4]

Do you believe 3 skyscrapers free fall collapsed from 2 airplanes hitting them

[@joeycrewey6266]

@@Whatsahandle4 amazing isn’t it

[@martygras378]

​@@Whatsahandle4You might want to call it NEAR free fall speed, so government shills won't call you rude names. They must not have discovered your reply here.

[@Itme]

So many wanted to live on this day. Watching this helps me celebrate and treasure my life vs throwing it away

[@sheilajohnson6478]

Whenever someone says go back inside, weather it’s a building or a ship, don’t do it! People usually end up dying by following instructions.

[@TheTheoGoth]

Sadly, yes. Once there was a false fire alarm at a hotel we were staying at. It was in the night so we were all asleep. I woke up and woke the others with me and proceeded down the stairs. About halfway down there was an announcement that everything was fine an we could return to our rooms. I told my mom that I'll head on down to make sure, I'm not just trusting this. Luckily it was a false alarm, but I had to make sure for myself.

[@DigitalRaider1]

Yes, same thing with the MV Sewol Feri that killed 100's of school children. Captain told them to stay put in the rooms after the Feri was on its side.

[@TheTheoGoth]

@@DigitalRaider1 yes, so tragic :(

[@laurieb.9555]

They can't make you...you can say eff you and go

[@KiraDaEmpress]

Like once I feel a building SHAKE Im out “stay put” my ass especially AFTER the ‘93 bombing 🥴 Im sorry I feel the safety officers failed those ppl that day

[@gazza4230]

22 years later watching these people and their accounts of what happened that day is so sad , god bless all the souls that were lost and should never be forgotten 😢

[@danielyoung6630]

I CRY EVERY TIME I SEE OLD WTC BUILDING PHOTOS. I MISS THE ELEGANCE AND BEAUTY OF THEM.

[@dianagonzales5113]

Me too. I’m a Texan and so glad my kiddos and I got to see the towers on a family vacation.

[@victorpeirce4753]

*I bet you we're one of those people that said they we're ugly and an eyesore whilst they we're standing and after they we're gone, "I miss them so much" they we're beautiful tall skyscrapers.🙄🙄*

[@Afterburner]

I wonder if he ever found that girl who helped him get the ambulance... Amazing story of survival and determination.

[@DarthPingu07]

I'm sorry, after the first plane hit, I'd have been out. Even in the other tower. I'd have been down the stairs and gone. No way I'd be hanging around let alone return to my floor. Hell no.

[@ccdolfin]

I agree! Even if it was a 2 story building I would have evacuated the area until the situation was under control. One of the survivors from the south tower said when he looked up he thought the fire had somehow spread to the south tower. He had no idea it was two planes. That’s a good enough reason for me to evacuate. Fires do spread

[@zzzzz77771]

You say that, but that's because you know what happened in retrospect. Nothing like 9.11 had EVER happened, it would be the last thing you'd think of. As far as they knew, there was a fire, explosion or a light aircraft that was in the other building. What on earth do you think would lead them to believe that another fire would break out in their building, or that another random (to their mind) small plane would hit their building? You wouldn't have any good reason to believe you were in danger. Think about it from their perspective. Once the fire and smoke became very large , the gravity of the situation hit them and THEN they had good reason to want to leave, but of course it was too late by then for many as the second plane followed and the stairwell was blocked.

[@fdama]

Very easy to say this now.

[@DarthPingu07]

@@fdama it's not about what happened. But if I was in the second tower when the first was hit, I would've been out because anything could've happened. The first tower was compromised, would I want to be in the second tower if the first collapsed into it? Nope. Too many "what ifs" regardless of the second plane.

[@lisamccaff9217]

American "work ethic"

[@ydlebron]

So many extra people died simply because they were told it was safe, stay in your office or go back inside and upstairs. People that were already outside and came back in. Such a shame. But at the same time, who would’ve thought. Hindsight really is 20/20. It was also dangerous to venture outside w the falling debris and I’m sure many that were already outside also died from the debris but nobody would’ve imagined these amazing towers could fall like this. I’m thankful and happy for those who survived. ❤

[@timsimmons9995]

Told safe or not, this was a Darwin (and luck) test. Many failed. For those that foolishly stayed or return into the building, it was failure of common sense. Imagine standing there, after Tower 1 was hit but before Tower 2 was hit. You'd see carnage beyond comprehension, death, massive out-of-control fires, possibly dead people or jumpers. How in the world would you convince yourself it was okay to return up to the top of the S. Tower?! Not a chance. I'm going home, fire me if you must. I'm outta there. Just with that information, there's hundreds dead, and the top of the N. Tower could topple over and strike the S. Tower. OR, it might be a coordinated attack, b/c clearly it was no accident. It is a no-fly area and a direct hit on the N. Tower. Not long before, terrorists hit the towers, and the OKC fed building, and the USS Cole, and the US embassy in Kenya, etc. So it's certainly possible it was terrorism. GET OUT. GO HOME. But too many people are braindead, sheep, and do what they are told without common sense.

[@californiahiker9616]

Thank you Tim for sharing your story! I don’t know anybody who was personally affected by 9/11. I‘m grateful for that. For me part of “never forget” is listening to survivor’ stories. Many stories relate common occurrences, something similar many survivors went through. But also each survivor adds something new to to this horrific story. Each part contributes to understanding a little bit better what you went through. I mean, those of us who weren’t there will never know how truly horrible it was and still is for those who were in the towers, and for their families and friends. Just know how many people all over the world feel so much compassion for you, want to help you. We can only offer words, and we can listen to you. Thank you so very much for telling your story! Be well!

[@misery3681]

They should have evacuated every single soul from both towers immediately, can't believe seeing the tower next to you burn like that and you hear " remain at your desk"...

[@kathleenwindsor5679]

Exactly. And they knew it took to evacuate it in the bombing of 93, my friend worked in the AmEx building and it took hours to get down that day. The towers were much higher.

[@vincentm.7462]

It would have been asses and elbows if that was me fuck it fire me I’m still alive

[@annhalton1963]

@@vincentm.7462 Exactly.

[@karriegianni7022]

Especially because people right next to them were literally jumping to their death!! How would anyone expect people to stay put?? It’s crazy to me too.

[@Sandy33569]

Hindsight is 20/20. NO ONE KNEW the towers would collapse. No one knew the second tower would get it. They wanted things to remain as clear as possible for first responders and for those evacuating from the North Tower.

[@vanessamorenorosales1786]

Obviously all lives matter but it really pulls on my heart strings those people that we're working blue collar jobs in the buildings, the people doing House keeping, waitressing, cleaning, serving, servicing.......

[@QUEENBEE200384]

It’s heartbreaking the many people that were evacuating the south tower and were told to go back up that their tower was safe only to lose their life. I know it’s no one fault, but trust you gut. They left because they knew something wasn’t right and then went back up.

[@Bowiefan4ever]

Yes, trust your gut. I watched the whole tragedy pan out with my then young daughters on tv. We just have never been attached like that before. No one really understood what was going on. My daughter lives there now, with my grandson. I’ve paid my respects many times at the memorial. My heart goes out to all, and to all of the non peaceful places of the world.

[@nikkison973]

I never knew FBI agents spoke to those who made it out. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

[@eddyrodriguez3501]

I saw WTC tower fill of smoke and watched it by the Richmond Terrace, Staten island street level. I thought wow I used to work there and I would of work on 102nd floor at that time on the South tower. With the help of God I quit my my job before 9/11 because l became disabled and my family didn't want me to continue my job at the WTC north tower.

[@coolgirlfrozenfeet]

I like that I have heard stories from other people that directly tie in to his story. It gives a broader view of what happened that day, and of how many people went out of their way to help others. It was recently brought to my attention (it just never occurred to me before) how unusual it was for New Yorkers to really go the extra mile by letting people use their phones, or giving their time by comforting someone, or feeding a person or simply washing their face. I’m almost led to believe that half the people who died in the towers were still in there to try to help others escape. It is miraculous that so few died, compared to what could have been. Every person who did die, though, still meant the world to their family and friends. As far as I know, I never met any of those people, but they mattered to me as well. Something that still makes me feel weird is that a man with the same name (first, middle, and last-in the same order) as my husband died there. With certain common names, I suppose it’s not all that unusual, but when I found it out, it kind of made me feel sick, so I think about his family sometimes.

[@noellealyagout1669]

As I listen to all these stories, a recurring theme keeps coming through: life is very valuable and short and it’s all about love not hate. Peace ❤️❤️❤️

[@oki134]

There is something very special about this guy, I'm not sure what and how i know that. It's not what he went through, it's like his aura.

[@megaladonrockband4855]

My heart goes out to all those who lost loved ones on 9/11.

[@anjou6497]

Tim is such a kind man it's obvious as he recounts this horrific story. Such trauma to go through, and knowing people who died. Sending love to him and his family. 💖🌱🌈

[@segagirladventurespico]

My 13y old son said mom why didn’t each floor have parachutes 😢

[@annalienpretorius1498]

It might be coming from a child in innocence but it would've made a difference if there was something like that - but who could've thóught an emergency exit other than the normal would ever be needed.

[@juliejerkoff]

His story is incredible. It’s a whole series of lucky choices. He turns one direction and someone else goes another way.. the difference between life and death.. more than once that day. And thank God for those first responders that saved his life multiple times. What an incredible story.

[@oscarwilde6649]

You're a BEAUTIFUL human being, Tim. As far as worrying about developing friendships, please don't. Your inherently decent & empathetic nature is quite sufficient to command respect & good tidings from any person who is fortunate enough to meet or know you in this life✌&❤

[@paulabrown6840]

Thank you Tim. You are a gifted speaker. I feel so grateful to have heard your experiences on 911. What a blessing that you survived. Can’t help but wish I was a neighbor..I’d love to be your friend. Today is the 20th anniversary and I wonder if you are at the memorial. Much love! Paula 💜🦋

[@suelibraga9828]

God bless you, Tim. From Spain, on 9/11, I was working and from my desk I saw a colleague of mine telling us the news. That was the moment the world just stopped. And there was you, struggling for your life. 🙏🏼

[@triciac1019]

Wow, what a way to put it! As we watched some many were struggling for their lives. Trying to get out and away from there, even into the night.

[@NoInjusticeLastsForever]

God is not real, no matter how much you want it to be.

[@suelibraga9828]

@@NoInjusticeLastsForever I could say the same to you: God does exists. No matter how much you won’t it to be. One day you will realize 😘

[@NoInjusticeLastsForever]

@@suelibraga9828 Anything asserted without proof is dismissed without proof. Believing something with no proof is illogical. Let me know when you join us in the 21 century.

[@laurenbaker8803]

So glad you got out of the building and you can see. It’s a miracle you got out- rescued-Thanks to the heroic efforts of the firefighters and first responders.

[@Autistic_in_Astoria]

The best way to honor those who died weather they were first responders or not is to NEVER forget. We honor them with every flag we fly, every salute we execute, and every thank you. I couldn't imagine having to live through all that and then not have survivors guilt. Made me have a while new perspective on New Yorkers . My dad was from buffalo and talked so proudly and I thought he was just exaggerating. My brother ( dads last born son I was adopted) was a plumber in the building across the street (4 world trade center ) saw the 1st plane hit , watched the 2nd plane hit and both buildings collapse. He said NOPE ! moved to california in the mid 2000s. Last time I saw him was in 2012 when my dad died.

[@mountains7694]

Tim is very sweet. Haven't heard many survivors speak with such pose and clarity. Thank you for shearing your story 🤍

[@SandyMeeshell]

I want to be his friend.. He seems so humble and thankful and down to earth.. I hope his life, and health, is continuing to look up ❤️

[@mia795]

100 doctors sitting around with nothing to do, and they still f up your diagnosis. Unbelievable. Glad you guys survived. What a nightmare.

[@vicky1rn52]

Thank You Sir for sharing your experience, and so glad you're still here🙏🏽 I was 19, had just come home from college class and got a call from a friend "they're blowing up New York" I turned on the TV and saw what everyone else was seeing. I am now in my 40's and just now revisiting the events of that day. This is all so just hard to imagine😥

[@alonzotanner1226]

I’m so sad when I think of this day and not just at the WTC but everywhere where innocent lives were lost. I was still living in Harlem at the time so I was on the other end of manhattan when this went down but my uncle worked down there and I had a couple of friends who were out that way. Thank goodness everyone came back alright but my friends and uncle each lost at least one of their own friends that day. Thank you for this. This is still the one event that I think of that was huge in my lifetime.

[@survivormary1126]

It changed my life forever. Glad your loved ones were spared.

[@sarahbeebe4667]

To all the people who helped each other and helped complete strangers well done these people truly have a good soul . RIP to all who perished they will never be forgotten. So sad !!!!!

[@jntdvs]

I have followed these stories for years and they never cease to make me very, very humbled and blessed!

[@jazzysmovies]

This sweet beautiful man. I hope he has a peaceful and beautiful rest of his life ❤

[@deadbrother5355]

What a beautiful story of survival, human decency, and recovery. For the people who have never faced depression or ptsd, you have no idea how weak and vulnerable it can make a person feel. It takes a lot of courage to freely admit those struggles and I respect it. I wish this guy were my neighbor or coworker, I would be his friend for sure. Thank you firbsharing your story sir. People need to hear these stories.

[@The-Great-Brindian]

It sends a chill down my spine thinking about how the PA announcements were informing people in the offices of the South Tower of the WTC, that w/e was going on in the North Tower was a 'controlled situation' and that there was 'no reason to evacuate'. To think people took heed on that advice, stayed put only to be on the receiving end of a second attack directly at the South Tower they were in, seems insane. Its very disheartening to know people died as a result of misinformation and bad advice.

[@ulpetzmaznat1366]

It wasn't "bad" advice, and it wasn't misinformation. You are looking at this with the benefit of tremendous hindsight. No one knew a second plane would crash. No one knew the towers would collapse. There were thousands of people in those buildings. Police and firemen and ambulances were attending the North tower - it was sensible to tell people to stay in the South tower so that the emergency services could do their work without crowds of panicking people flooding out of ANOTHER building. It is of course very tragic that many people stayed in the South tower because they were told they did not need to leave, but that is not the fault of the building's authorities. They were doing what they thought was best with the information they had at that time. To be so judgemental is very unfair.

[@The-Great-Brindian]

@@ulpetzmaznat1366 I thumbed up your comment because everything you said there made perfect sense. I now look at it from another perspective having read what your comment.

[@Sandy33569]

Hindsight is 20/20. NO ONE KNEW the towers would collapse. NO ONE KNEW the second tower was going to get hit!

[@JustAnAverageWoman69]

The problem is that the towers were a target for terrorists in the past. They had planted bombs there, I think in 1993. When the first plane crashed through the building, they should have had an inkling that maybe this was another terrorist attack. Just the mere possibility of that happening again should have prompted a full evacuation. You don’t mess around with people's lives.

[@christinec.6685]

The WTC was a known terrorist target that had already been bombed once. Evacuation should have been the default response.

[@heartshapedbox2763]

I lived through this at 22. It was a time of being proud of being a from America. A time you would do anything for your neighbors. Now we just talk a lot of crap about each other and find it fun to hurt each other.

[@stormyandsunnysas8971]

I'm glad this man made it out and he's alive to tell his story I was in the first bombing when they put the bomb in the garage I was on the 105th floor and the only thing I felt was my body being tossed in the air a kid came running in saying that some of the computers blew up and then 10 seconds later he said a bomb went off get out of the building so the elevators instantly closed because of the smoke so we had to take the stairs down and being on the 105th floor there were a lot of people ahead of me so it took three and a half hours just to reach the bottom floor I will never go into another building with more than three floors ever again I just thank God this man screwed up with the bomb

[@survivormary1126]

OMG. That was just a practice run. Thank the powers that be your ok!

[@selinedirroco1860]

Ignore the ignorance of those who seem to not be able to show compassion; I'm glad that you're safe. No one can judge what you went through unless they themselves witnessed such a horrific and unfortunate tragedy. 911 was an extremely devastating day for the entire USA and the World. It was sad that it took such a tragedy like 911 to occur in order for the world to come together as one, without worrying about ones ethnicity, background, lifestyle, and education; Instead of our world worrying about such things, need to realize that we're all one of the same. Which is Human. Enjoy your Evening. 😊

[@hc1294]

Stories i listen to every year to remember. You all went through so much. 🇬🇧 🇬🇧 Helen 🇬🇧

[@Julie2554]

Lovely man. Thank you for sharing your story of 9/11.🌼🌸

[@omarosemoon1005]

Such a great interview! So glad he shared his story.

[@shereehewings8483]

Around Tim I can see a bright orange 🧡 Aura around him, I am happy all these people survived. God 🙏 Bless ❤️

[@mapeauxnoire]

Its so troubling to constantly hear how people were told to stay put. Though it helped minime panic but evacuation could have been faster for those below the impact zone

[@sarahj2551]

Ah man this is so sad I'd happily be this guy's friend, he's such a sweet man and deserves friends to support him. 😔

[@josephkoester7051]

I was in highschool 16 when this day happened, i vowed "NEVER TO FORGET" all of those who perished and heroically saving lives, have been solidified in my mind!!! GOD BLESS YOU MY FRIEND" YOUR ANGEL IS WITH YOU......!

[@juliamarin4896]

Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so glad you survived. Take Care.

[@MF-ty2zn]

Port Authority was telling people who came down the elevators in the South Tower to go back up to their desks. The people who took the stairs did not get down from way above until after the plane hit, so they were not told to go back.

[@Sandy33569]

That’s a good point!

[@lafrancehannele6884]

When I watched the mayhem on TV i knew we would hear stories from survivors somd day. Thank you for talking to us. Get well sir!

[@margaretzoheir4468]

God bless him 🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹

[@marleenvanderlinden8189]

I will never forget,i was at home alone,bit sick,turned on tv and i saw it,i could not believe what i saw,i started hyperventilating,called my doctor,she give me something to calm down,i was afraid,i will see it till my final day.God bless all of the last souls,the heroes and many many more.Let us pray that this will never happen again.

[@StevenBussey]

These series should be a podcast series in my opinion. Really interesting to listen to!

[@preciousprecious6358]

you are a good..kind..man who has survive.

[@tracy3418]

I wish they told everyone to evacuate. It doesn't seem like they ever did. More people would have been saved if they did. A lot of people died trying to warn people when it should have just been announced on the intercom.

[@kylieminou7775]

in all fairness, nobody could even imagine the towers would fall, or they might get hit by a big plane, the worst case scenario conceived was a fire, so people were told to stay put and wait, it made sense for those circumstances, still after 20 years I think how many more people would have saved their lives if they just evacuate, but it's easy to think that when one was not in that situation

[@Sandy33569]

Exactly! Hindsight is 20/20.

[@Lisa-hc3uq]

It would take a very long time to evacuate all / so many people in the building, plus pandemonium would've set in. Who knew what was ahead? Such a terrible day in this country. God bless America 🇺🇸

[@MelissaLona]

If we really look at it, I think they did a pretty good job evacuating. The twin towers have about 50k people in it on any given day. So considering only 2700 people died in the towers, that’s actually not bad. A total of 2900 or so people and at least 400-500 of those were passengers on the plane and first responders. Majority of people that died were above the impact zone. Most people below the impact zone survived

[@LunaCidnie]

@@MelissaLona as a note there was only 17,000 or so people in the two buildings because it was earlier in the morning when they were hit. It’s estimated that around 14,000 people safely evacuated. Which is an amazing amount of lives saved. The majority of the people killed were on the flights, killed from the impact, or were above the impact zones and trapped due to the crushed stairwells. (Or they were firefighters and first responders.) More than 90% below the impact zones survived. This is also due to the efforts of firefighters who freed people on floors where the doors had become jammed. It’s incredibly how many lives were saved knowing that there was roughly an hour and half to two hours between the impacts of the two planes and the times the buildings fell.

[@mendoblendo321]

Fires didn't bring the building down and Isreali Mossad who is truly behind 9/11

[@dashfatbastard]

I keep returning to them. It's haunting.

[@goldenautumn3073]

Very interesting that he mentions a couple of FBI agents asking him if he'd heard explosions from inside the building - which is what some firemen from a station fairly close to the TT said they distinctly heard - on different floors. They didn't believe these had anything to do with the plane hitting the building - sounded just like explosives used in building demolitions. I hope to find that video footage again as they were very clear about having heard this.

[@johnroberts1873]

The sad truth is that only so many people can fit on a stairwell. Using the right half going down, people can move quickly. If it were one way twice as many people could move faster. Some people will be injured, some with health conditions including obese,heart, wheelchair etc. The most lives would have been saved if the stairwells were one one-way. I can imagine that the stairwells were ALL packed in both buildings when each fell. Hundreds more would have escaped. The stairwells were destined to collapse full of people, but twice as many could have made it. I give this man lots of credit for having the strength to share this unimaginably stressful event without breaking down. Amazing

[@ChyanneAlisha]

It’s so crazy to think about the people who survived this terrible thing just for them to suffer from diseases caused from being caught in the dust clouds. Can’t escape that day.

[@Mia_044]

If I need a good cry I listen to these stories... 💔

[@lyannastark628]

I saw all these comments about wanting to be his friend before I heard him talking about things at the end. So I'm just adding myself to the list of people would like to be his friend. Tim, I am so glad you survived and live your life with your wife. I hope you are blessed wth many great friends who lift you up. And I hope you find the fire fighter who helped you.

[@mlmbeliever]

Many Thanks to Tim and all who tell the stories of that day. RIP to all the friends and coworkers who lost their lives. We'll never forget!

[@sarahmilner8483]

Tim thanks for sharing and thankyou for being here and living your life despite the repercussions. Sarah

[@suzzanimalchannel1030]

Just when I was thinking about what happened to Jack that second he started telling Jacks story. Oh my, incredibly heartbreaking

[@desertlillie9659]

I cannot imagine your experience. May the Lord continue to comfort you and bring you peace. May His blessings be abundant. 🙏🏼❤️

[@OleVanDole]

I would love to be your friend Tim

[@jackiereamy4871]

Thank you for sharing

[@billtipper5858]

Thank you sir for telling your story. I feel it's important for you to tell it and for me to listen to it. Respect.

[@leroybigs97]

Wooow, what a story! Especially the ending where he says that he prays for the folkes who had saved him everyday and will never forget that. And his friend who went back upstairs after finding safety for himself. True heroes on that day.

[@kathyann8974]

Thank you, Tim for sharing your story. So sorry for all who was there that day to witness mankind at it’s worst and best. So grateful for those who survived by the grace of God. My sympathies to the loved ones of the many we lost. 9/11 is etched in our minds forever.

[@joanhenschel3511]

Tim, I pray that you are supernaturally healed. God bless and keep you.

[@polarbearsrus6980]

Thanks for sharing this experience, so happy you and your wife got home alright, what a story.

[@dumbgenious1960]

For those of you who are confused as to why the south tower were told to remain at their places; had the south tower not been hit it would’ve been a much better outcome, and it’s not like we could’ve predicted what was going to be targeted. Firstly the first responders couldn’t get people out of the North tower quick enough. The external exits had calming debris and jumpers falling, and so they had to evacuate through the underground mall. 80,000 people worked at the towers, so imagine doubling the number of people going through those narrow mall exits for no reason. More importantly, the people in the south tower were safer inside then they were evacuating. Yes the south tower did get enough heat off the North tower that some people report papers on their desks getting scored, but the towers were built to withstand a 707. They were infinitely safer inside their air conditioned behemoth of a building, than they were going through the exits and outside, littered with debris, broken glass, gypsum, and again, the falling flaming building and people. My point is just to share some knowledge. I’ve spent the past days doing a deep dive. At first I thought “how they could have told everyone to stay in the south tower”, but now I think “how could they have not”. It made perfect sense for a short 17 minutes

[@survivormary1126]

This guy managed a RIDE to the hospital, a Nap, a RIDE home in the middle of all this chaos and loss of life. Then the Pain hit at dinner time. I wish people would listen more closely and examine the facts before just reacting with emotion. A boom in the room that knocked him down and made his ears ring, but no explosion to the Feds???, then the ceiling tiles falling?

[@shellybrown5524]

@@survivormary1126 seriously grow up!!! You sound about 10 yrs old!!!

[@faithintheunseen1294]

I like to think that I wouldn’t have listened if the intercom or my management said to stay put. In my gut I see myself discretely grabbing my purse & pretending like I was going to the restroom, then sneaking out. Whether or not that would’ve provided enough time, & furthermore deciding whether to take the elevators or stairs is gut wrenching but I don’t think I could’ve just sat there & continue on with my tasks.

[@Williy_Nilly]

Thank you for sharing. One more miracle survival story. 💪

[@jackkoba8053]

Thanks for keeping it real

[@coleenmatonic9791]

When they tell you to stay then run like hell

[@sloburnjo]

just surreal Congrats? Blessed man. Thanks for sharing.

[@singers1990]

Thank you Tim for your story.

[@chipbroadhead4445]

People was told it was safe to go back upstairs and stay at their desks. Now, in both buildings, at and above the impact zone, people was trapped. People didn't know the buildings would fall and the stairs and lifts were done. Know people had a very slow death in waiting for the fire police departments on very hot floors. Or their could jump. Glad I never have to do either.

[@ianmountcastle6997]

Awesome Tim 🙏 you are so brave talking about that day 🙋‍♂️

[@tiamaria44]

To this day....I cannot listen to stay put orders. Even if a stapler that falls to the floor with a loud bang, Im running.

[@Sandy33569]

You realize there are situations where staying out will actually save you rather than kill you?;7

[@shaiaheyes2c41]

I would love to be your friend. Thank you so much for sharing your story. God bless you.

[@MrS98VAC]

RIP Irina Buslo/ Fuji Bank, 82 Floor.

[@kathleenhurd205]

Excellent Interview!!!

[@350ZEASZE]

The World Trade Center: Rescue, Recovery, Response-Gallery Tour Guy WAS GREAT PLEASE OPEN THOSE COMMENTS. He was clear, articulate, and precise.

[@asdf9890]

Bless you Tim, hope life is good for you today.

[@lucyjackson9408]

Too bad as adults we just don’t say, “do you wanna be my friend?”

[@paulaelectrabrandqvist8795]

Such a sweet loving man ❤