posted on September 11, 2001 06:15:20 PM new
Dear Loved Ones,
Just a short note to let you know, in case you saw the news about the plane
ramming the Pentagon today, that I am OK. I was in the opposite side of the
building. We were watching the news of the Trade Tower Plane crashes when we
were told to get out of the building because a bomb had gone off. When we
got outside it was thick black smoke with the smell of jet fuel and flames
about 1000 feet from our exit. We all moved well away from the building, and
after 5 minutes another explosion occured (don't know if it was a gas line in
the building or something else on the plane). At that point several Generals
moved the crowds and told us to go home. If we could get to our cars drive
home, otherwise walk about 3/4 mile to the nearest Metro (subway) station not
at the Pentagon and take it home or however we could but to leave. A couple
of my colleagues had gone out with me, but they hadn't been able to get to
their purse or keys (they actually worked in another office), so we walked a
mile to the Marriott Hotel where I park and I took them home.
The wedge of the Pentagon (5 wedges) where the plane hit had recently been
remodeled (took 4 years), and the Air Force moved their folks in 2 weeks ago.
Nobody has a count of the dead and injured yet.
I am still in shock that this could happen. The DC area is in a military
mode with Apache Gun Ship Helicopters patrolling the city. All fighter jets
on the east coast were deployed and are patrolling as well. The FAA was told
to account for all Commercial and private planes and to alert them that if
approached by a fighter and they didn't identify themselves or took evasive
action, they would be shot down. All ships have been moved from the ports
and moved out to sea.
I'll let you know what happens as things evolve, if it is something you won't
see on TV.
posted on September 11, 2001 08:36:28 PM new
roadsmith - thank you and I'm glad your friend is safe. I hope others are hearing from their friends and family.
