More than twenty years after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, never-before-seen footage of the Twin Towers’ collapse has surfaced, offering a fresh and haunting perspective. The footage, captured by Kei Sugimoto, had been tucked away for over two decades before he decided to share it with the world. Now, it’s adding a new dimension to one of the most devastating moments in modern history.
The Day That Changed Everything
On that fateful day, 19 terrorists from the extremist group Al-Qaeda hijacked four planes, carrying out a coordinated attack against the United States. Two of those planes crashed into the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in New York City, leading to their catastrophic collapse and resulting in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people. The aftermath of 9/11 forever altered the course of U.S. foreign policy and left an indelible mark on the global landscape.
Finding the Lost Tapes
While cleaning out his closet recently, Kei Sugimoto stumbled upon several old boxes of video tapes. Among them was footage he had captured on the morning of September 11, 2001, using his Sony VX2000 camera. Realizing the tapes might be deteriorating, Sugimoto quickly digitized the material. What he found was a chilling recording of the Twin Towers’ collapse, filmed from an angle that had never been seen before.
A Rare Perspective on Tragedy
Filmed from the rooftop of a building at 64 St Marks Place in New York City, Sugimoto’s footage captures the Twin Towers from the north—an angle rarely shown in existing recordings. The black smoke rising and the towers ultimately falling are presented in stark, vivid detail, offering a fresh and deeply unsettling reminder of the horror that unfolded. As one viewer put it, “This footage offers a unique perspective not seen from the south or east.”
Public Reaction: Shock and Reflection
Since Sugimoto released the footage on July 23, 2023, it has gone viral across social media platforms, sparking widespread discussion. Many users expressed amazement that even after nearly 23 years, new visuals from that day could still come to light. “It’s crazy that we’re almost 23 years out and still getting new footage,” commented one user on Reddit, encapsulating the general sense of disbelief.
Why This Footage Matters
The discovery and release of this video highlights the importance of preserving historical records. As another Reddit user noted, “Makes me wonder how much history is being stored in people’s attics or basements waiting to be unearthed.” Sugimoto’s footage not only provides a new visual understanding of the 9/11 attacks but also reinforces the shared memory of an event that shaped the modern era.
A New Chapter in Remembering 9/11
By sharing his once-forgotten footage, Kei Sugimoto has contributed a valuable piece to the collective history of 9/11. His unique vantage point offers future generations a chance to see the Twin Towers’ collapse through a different lens—one that underscores the immense scale of the tragedy. As the video continues to circulate, it stands as both a historical artifact and a solemn reminder of a day that changed the world forever.
