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It has been 17 years since the devastating 9/11 attacks. Coverage of the American Airlines flight 11 tragedy during which nearly 3,000 perished was the main priority that day for most Western news agencies (the scenes of the twin towers collapsing were witnessed by an estimated two billion people - a third of the human race). Together with amateur records, this has produced such an incredible amount of 9/11 photos, some of it is rarely seen even today.

Bored Panda has collected some of the least seen 9/11 stories from across the internet. From street shots of the twin towers attack to satellite images of New York City, these historical photos are revealing new angles of the horrific day that changed the world forever. For more similar September 11 shots, check out this powerful book by David Friend.

#1

A Knot Of Bystanders At Park Row And Beekman Street Look Up As The South Tower Begins To Collapse

A Knot Of Bystanders At Park Row And Beekman Street Look Up As The South Tower Begins To Collapse

Patrick Witty Report

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EmptySoul
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most expressive pic of all pics. No matter your color, caste, religion, when such in-human and horrifying thing occurs, we all weep and bleed same color.

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#2

At Rector Street And Broadway, A Photographer Leaned Out His Window With A Medium-format Camera And Caught The Moment Before The Second Plane’s Impact

At Rector Street And Broadway, A Photographer Leaned Out His Window With A Medium-format Camera And Caught The Moment Before The Second Plane’s Impact

Rob Howard Report

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Cat Meow
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looking at all these pictures gives me goosebumps and flash backs to that day

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#3

People Falling From The Towers

People Falling From The Towers

David Surowiecki Report

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John L
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Burning to death is the most painful thing, and it isn't any wonder that so many choose a quick death over the ultimate torture.

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#4

A Man Has A Job To Do

A Man Has A Job To Do

Melanie Einzig Report

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John L
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This does not surprise me at all. When I was in graduate school I worked the midnight shift at UPS, in Knoxville. Everything was 100% about getting the packages shipped and delivered. Management never slowed down. Everyone worked non stop from the moment they clocked in until they clocked out. In other words, you were paid well, but earned every penny made. Its the most 'workaholic' company in the world, I kid you not.

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#5

As Seen Through A Fish-Eye Lens From An Apartment Four Blocks Away, Smoke Streams From The North Tower Within Minutes Of The First Plane’s Attack

As Seen Through A Fish-Eye Lens From An Apartment Four Blocks Away, Smoke Streams From The North Tower Within Minutes Of The First Plane’s Attack

Patricia McDonough Report

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EmptySoul
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am sure who ever took this pic, will never forget the view entire life. Horrific, terrible and sad.

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#6

American Airlines Flight 11 (Visible In The Upper Right-Hand Corner Of The Photo) Approaches The North Tower Of The World Trade Center On September 11, 2001

American Airlines Flight 11 (Visible In The Upper Right-Hand Corner Of The Photo) Approaches The North Tower Of The World Trade Center On September 11, 2001

American Airlines Flight 11 (visible in the upper right-hand corner of the photo) approaches the north tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. This largely unknown triptych (the subsequent images follow), shot from a Brooklyn window, was part of an ongoing Internet art exhibition that displayed updated panoramas of downtown Manhattan every four seconds. A time code can be seen in the lower right-hand corner of each frame.

Wolfgang Staehle Report

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Greg Hoggarth
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I recall there being very little footage of the first plane hitting, so this might be amongst that scarce record.

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#7

South Tower Of The World Trade Center Collapsing

South Tower Of The World Trade Center Collapsing

Bolivar Arellano Report

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EmptySoul
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

omg, this is so unreal. wonder how this person or camera survived. I have never seen any pic before captured at this angle showing tower collapse. OP must be couple of hundred meters near or less than the base of building.

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#8

The South Tower Disintegrates, Raining Debris Behind A Cross Atop Trinity Church

The South Tower Disintegrates, Raining Debris Behind A Cross Atop Trinity Church

James Nachtwey / VII for Time Report

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EmptySoul
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder if that cross was still standing post both buildings collapsed.

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#9

Not Yet Realizing A Terrorist Attack Was In Progress, Architect And Amateur Pilot Isabel Daser, Eight Months Pregnant, Asked A Co-Worker To Take Her Portrait As A Record Of The Day

Not Yet Realizing A Terrorist Attack Was In Progress, Architect And Amateur Pilot Isabel Daser, Eight Months Pregnant, Asked A Co-Worker To Take Her Portrait As A Record Of The Day

Daser Bessler Report

#10

The Second Plane Flew Directly Over My Head And Slammed Into The South Tower. It Took Me A Few Seconds To Get My Head Together, And This Was The Shot I Took

The Second Plane Flew Directly Over My Head And Slammed Into The South Tower. It Took Me A Few Seconds To Get My Head Together, And This Was The Shot I Took

Marc A. Garrett Report

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EmptySoul
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would probably print this and hang in my study as a reminder of world is not a fair place. So many peaceful and innocent lives were lost this day, so many people lost their loved ones, and for what?

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#11

I Was 4 Years Old And The Picture Was Taken Along The Westside Highway That Morning On 9/11

I Was 4 Years Old And The Picture Was Taken Along The Westside Highway That Morning On 9/11

AustinSansone Report

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Isabel Tamayo
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who would have thought? Walking on a busy street, the weather is nice and sunny. You click a picture of your son and suddenly see the tragedy at the background. Really sad.

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#12

A Lone Man Runs Down Broadway As A Smoke And Dust Cloud Comes Up The Street From The Collapsing World Trade Center Buildings In New York September 11, 2001

A Lone Man Runs Down Broadway As A Smoke And Dust Cloud Comes Up The Street From The Collapsing World Trade Center Buildings In New York September 11, 2001

Kelly Price Report

#14

Smoke Plumes Are Clearly Visible In This Landsat 7 Satellite Image Of New York City Made Early On September 12

Smoke Plumes Are Clearly Visible In This Landsat 7 Satellite Image Of New York City Made Early On September 12

NASA Report

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logical fallacy
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of the scariest accounts I've read on 9/11 is that of a woman who worked nearby and lived not-so-nearby. In her mind, the most horrifying was the smell of burnt debris and people that engulfed te city in the following days. I can see why now.

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#15

A Plane Explodes After Hitting The Second Tower Of The World Trade Center As The Other Tower Burns

A Plane Explodes After Hitting The Second Tower Of The World Trade Center As The Other Tower Burns

Sara K. Schwittek Report

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EmptySoul
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

O' dear lord, please spare me from seeing such images again in my lifetime, or my children or anyone after that. It scarred me for life, don't want to happen with this anyone, anymore.

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#16

Penman Got As Close To The Buildings As He Could, Before Police Put Up A Cordon. But That Meant He Was Right Next To The Buildings When The First Tower Collapsed

Penman Got As Close To The Buildings As He Could, Before Police Put Up A Cordon. But That Meant He Was Right Next To The Buildings When The First Tower Collapsed

Phil Penman Report

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Sophie G
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

how there was not more damage to the buildings surrounding them, or was there?

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#17

On A Brooklyn Rooftop Shortly After The Collapse Of The Twin Towers

On A Brooklyn Rooftop Shortly After The Collapse Of The Twin Towers

On a Brooklyn rooftop shortly after the collapse of the Twin Towers, Jenna Piccirillo and three-month-old Vaughan embody innocence and resilience, according to the photographer: “Life continues in the face of disaster . . . despite the horrors we inflict on one another.”

Alex Webb/Magnum Photos Report

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EmptySoul
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

why I can't find anything to comment on this pic, is it because this picture is such a contrast of what is happening. One side is disaster, loss of innocent lives, and one side there is a new life booming and making its way into such unpredictable world. what thoughts must be going inside that mother's mind, only a mother would know.

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#18

The Photographer Considered This 9/11 Brooklyn Scene Too Tranquil At The Time. He Decided Not To Publish The Image Widely Until Four Years After The Attacks

The Photographer Considered This 9/11 Brooklyn Scene Too Tranquil At The Time. He Decided Not To Publish The Image Widely Until Four Years After The Attacks

Thomas Hoepker/Magnum Photos Report

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Monty Is Fiennes
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But what did it mean to them...no radio???...no news????...They may have thought it was an office fire...very much doubt they were aware of the tragedy and continued so casually....

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Grazina Strolia
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The smoke went on for days. Think about the last funeral you went to: by the repast, some people are talking, smiling, even laughing. These people have probably been standing there for hours.

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Valerica Rosca
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They looked like debating, probably everyone found an explanation for the smoke, but no one of them thought of something so horrible

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Susan Callihan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No Twitter in 2001. Cell phones technology was young. Internet was not all that widespread.

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Jodi VanDyk
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw an article about this photo once, not that long ago. The picture is a bit deceiving. They were strangers who had been watching the tragedy, which had been happening for long enough for them to sit down and the photo caught them talking about and trying to understand what they were seeing, as anyone would. They were horrified and felt helpless to do anything.

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Keith Westerman
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When the news broke, many people called, emailed, and IM'd their friends and family. This could easily be a moment between friends talking about how insane the world is becoming, and how grateful they are to be alive.

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Chuck Gonzales
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was there, the whole event took a while. You eventually had to sit down and reflect.

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João Pestana
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Come on people! You jump to conclusions through only a picture? Maybe they are discussing the event, their faces are not relaxed, they have that face when you discuss something serious.

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Liam Youngblood
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I first saw this photo, I have to admit I was angry; I saw the woman looking relaxed and the bike and it was easy to cast judgment. Then I realized that they were probably indeed discussing, well, everything you could in the aftermath of such a horrid event. Everyone else in the photo is leaned into the woman paying close attention to what she's saying; they're not all laid back. Even if the woman is "laid back", she may have been reminiscing on a positive memory she had of the WTC from years, months, weeks, or even days before the attack. I think the bicycle adds to the "laid-back" interpretation of the photo, but people use bikes to get around NYC and other bikeable communities all the same, attacks or not. I think they were parsing it all the same as the rest of the country, but since most people here in the States associate bikes with leisure and not necessarily part of a commute, it makes it look all the more suspect.

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Marnee DeRider
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They just look like they were talking to me, which is what everyone did all day that day that wasn't in the immediate vicinity. Maybe each other what they've heard, what they think it means. What's weird to me is that even though the US was under attack, we all just sent our kids to school. How did we know there wouldn't be a next wave? I'll NEVER get over that.

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Sarah Geiser
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read into this photo, 5 People discussing the events they see-perhaps Strangers the gathered to watch and remained as many People did- to stay in a 'group' out of confusion/safety...

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EmptySoul
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

are these guys for real, I am mean I would be freaking out if I am there where they are.

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Georgette Kostopoulos
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They probably didn't se the planes hitting, they are having a picnic and most likely think its' just a building fire.

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Steven Scalici
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What did you want them to do…run around like chickens without heads?

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Mandy Strickland
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I sought the companionship of friends that afternoon, so I don't necessarily see this as "too tranquil."

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Neve von C
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

they seem too relaxed. i couldn't imagine me just sitting there and doing so as nothing so horrible is happening just behind my back.

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Sue Long
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My first thought is, "What in the world is wrong with them?!? Are they BLIND?!?"

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Ana Fuentes
Community Member
6 years ago

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The people in the picture are models, the picture was taken just a little bit after the planes struck.

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manowce
Community Member
6 years ago

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no wonder. they look like a bunch of a******s! and don't tell me they didn't see the smoke...

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#19

Twin Towers Of The World Trade Center Burn Behind The Empire State Building

Twin Towers Of The World Trade Center Burn Behind The Empire State Building

Marty Lederhandler Report

#20

Several Buildings In The Trade Center Complex Collapsed Following A Terrorist Attack

Several Buildings In The Trade Center Complex Collapsed Following A Terrorist Attack

Petra Beter Report

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EmptySoul
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

sometimes its so hard to believe those 2 buildings collapsed like dominos. It feels like it happened yesterday.

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