DON'T READ THIS ANYWHERE YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SEEN TEARING UP.

Fresh Glimpse in 9/11 Files of the Struggles for Survival (Jim Dwyer, New York Times, 8/29/03)

Until yesterday, when the Port Authority released its raw historical records from Sept. 11, the two men were remembered from glimpses as the north tower of the World Trade Center was heaving toward collapse. One was short, the other tall. They carried a crowbar, a flashlight and walkie talkies. Beyond that, say some who survived that day, the smoke had blurred their faces and hair and clothes into gray.

With their tools, the two men — Frank De Martini, an architect, and Pablo Ortiz, a construction inspector — attacked the lethal web of obstacles that trapped people who had survived the impact of the plane but could not get to an exit.

At least 50 people stuck on the 88th and 89th floors of the north tower were able to walk out of the building because Mr. De Martini, Mr. Ortiz and others tore away rubble, broke down doors and answered calls for help. Everyone above the 91st floor died.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has released to the press transcripts of emergency calls made on 9/11. Posted by David Cohen at August 29, 2003 4:37 PM