Detroit Native Recounts First-Hand Experience at Ground Zero During 9/11 Attacks
Laura L’Esperance, a Detroit native, shared her personal account of being at Ground Zero during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. On that day, L’Esperance was just five days into a new position at Merrill Lynch, located in the World Financial Center, directly across from the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan. She was beginning her workday, conversing with her new boss, when she heard the initial plane crash into the North Tower. L'Esperance described running to the windows and witnessing dark smoke. Shortly after, the second tower was struck, followed by the collapse of the South Tower. She recalled the debris and a massive cloud tumbling down rapidly, prompting her and others to flee the area. Her full account was shared via a video player, detailing the terrifying moments as the events unfolded.
