Kei Sugimoto uploaded his footage to YouTube on 23 July 2024.
Warning: Contains content some readers may find distressing
More than two decades ago, the world witnessed the tragic events of 11 September 2001, a day that forever changed history. The terrorist attacks on New York City’s World Trade Center led to immense loss, with approximately 3,000 lives taken.
The victims included people inside the Twin Towers, first responders rushing to save lives, and many on the ground who became caught in the chaos. It was a day of unfathomable heartbreak and courage.
The attacks involved two planes crashing into the Twin Towers, leading to catastrophic damage and the eventual collapse of the iconic structures. The disaster left a trail of destruction, with dust and debris blanketing the city.
While much of the tragedy was broadcast live on television, especially the moment the second plane struck, new details and perspectives have emerged over time, including footage that remained unreleased until now.
It is a stark reminder that even decades later, there are pieces of that day still waiting to be uncovered.
9/11 is a day that still holds a lot of pain for all Spencer Platt/Getty Images
One such perspective has now come to light thanks to Kei Sugimoto, who was present in New York City on that harrowing day. Sugimoto recently shared his personal footage, providing a fresh look at the events from a previously ‘unseen angle.’
On 23 July 2024, Sugimoto uploaded his video to YouTube, explaining that it was captured on 11 September 2001 from the roof of 64 St Marks Place using a Sony VX2000 camera with a teleconverter lens. His recording offers a raw and chilling glimpse into one of history’s darkest days.
Initially, Sugimoto believed the chaos stemmed from a fire. However, after witnessing the second plane’s impact, he realized the severity and intent behind the tragedy.
“I had just assumed it was an accident and there was a fire,” the now-46-year-old recalled in an emotional interview with LADbible.
“I did see the second plane impact, and that’s when I thought, okay, for sure, this is not just an accident. This is intentional. It’s a terrorist attack,” he added, describing the moment he understood it was a deliberate attack.
Sugimoto’s footage has quickly gained attention on social media platforms like X, with viewers noting its ‘new angles’ of the devastating collapse.
“This footage offers a unique perspective not seen from the south or east,” one viewer commented, emphasizing the rarity of the perspective. “You are watching these angles for the first time ever.”
The video captures the haunting sight of the Twin Towers emitting plumes of black smoke before their ultimate collapse, a moment etched into collective memory.
On Reddit, users reflected on the significance of the footage, with one remarking: “It’s crazy that we’re almost 23 years out and still getting new footage.”
Another user shared their thoughts, saying: “Makes me wonder how much history is being stored in people’s attics or basements waiting to be unearthed.”
In the YouTube comments, Sugimoto explained why he chose to release the footage now, decades after the event. He shared: “I was cleaning my closet and found boxes full of Hi-8, Digital-8, and DV tapes.”
“When trying to play them back I noticed that maybe about a 3rd of them had demagnetized over time and were either blank, or suffering from major data corruption.”
“After researching online I learned that video tapes are not immune from age even when stored in ideal conditions, so I franntially started to digitize them. Thus I’m just uploading the video now.”
While Sugimoto admitted to witnessing the second plane crash, he clarified that it wasn’t part of his recording.
“If I remember correctly,” he noted, “I think I ran to get my video camera after seeing the second plane crash sensing that this was no ordinary accident.”
Many viewers have thanked Sugimoto for sharing this rare and ‘crystal clear’ footage, calling it a deeply impactful and devastating reminder of that day.
