The Stairwell That Saved Him | Calgary News

Joseph Dittmar recounts his harrowing escape from the 105th floor of the South Tower on 9/11, when he was unaware of the unfolding terror until lights flickered and a fire marshal ordered evacuation. With no info about the attack, he descended 105 flights of stairs, witnessing the North Tower’s devastation through a stairwell door — realizing instantly it was an act of war. When the second plane struck their own tower between floors, he felt the blast and smelled jet fuel but still didn’t know what hit them. Staying in the stairwell — not taking an elevator — saved his life. Reaching the lobby, he saw the chaos and was directed underground as debris fell. Later, he heard the South Tower collapse and watched TV footage of the plane hitting his building — stunned he’d survived. He credits the kindness of Canadians in Gander for sheltering stranded passengers and honors Canadian soldiers’ sacrifices, saying their efforts made the world safer. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/4ade2224dec185fc