Over two decades after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, new footage of the Twin Towers’ collapse has emerged, offering an unprecedented view of one of the most devastating moments in modern history. Captured by Kei Sugimoto, this never-before-seen footage reveals the catastrophic collapse from a fresh angle, adding yet another layer of understanding to a day that reshaped the world.
Stored away for over 22 years, Sugimoto’s footage has recently been shared with the public, sparking renewed interest and reflection on the events of 9/11. September 11, 2001, is a date forever etched in global memory. On that day, 19 members of the jihadist terror group Al-Qaeda executed a coordinated attack on the United States by hijacking four commercial airplanes.
Two of these planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City, leading to the collapse of the iconic Twin Towers. The attacks claimed nearly 3,000 lives, leaving a profound impact on the world and prompting significant changes in U.S. foreign policy. The events of 9/11 not only marked a turning point in history but also left an indelible scar on the collective consciousness of people worldwide.
In an unexpected turn of events, Kei Sugimoto, the man behind the camera, stumbled upon boxes of old videotapes while cleaning his closet. Among the tapes was footage he had captured on that fateful day using a Sony VX2000 camera. Realizing the potential historical value of his recordings, Sugimoto quickly digitized the footage to preserve it before any deterioration could occur. What emerged was a perspective of the Twin Towers’ collapse that had never been seen before—a unique and chilling reminder of the events that unfolded on 9/11.
The newly released footage offers a rare view of the Twin Towers’ collapse from the north. Filmed from the rooftop of a building at 64 St Marks Place in New York City, this angle provides a different visual experience compared to the more commonly seen south and east views. As black smoke billows from the towers, the footage captures the harrowing moment when the structures give way and crumble to the ground. This new angle not only deepens the visual documentation of 9/11 but also evokes a renewed emotional response from viewers who remember that day.
Since its release on July 23, 2023, Sugimoto’s footage has quickly gone viral, captivating audiences across social media platforms. Many expressed astonishment that, after more than two decades, new footage of the Twin Towers’ collapse could still surface. Comments from users on Reddit and other platforms highlighted the surreal nature of discovering new visuals from a day so deeply ingrained in public memory. One user aptly noted, “It’s crazy that we’re almost 23 years out and still getting new footage,” encapsulating the collective amazement and renewed introspection prompted by Sugimoto’s video.
The release of this previously unseen footage underscores the importance of preserving historical records. As one thoughtful Reddit user remarked, “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 account of 9/11 but also serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of collective memory. This discovery highlights the role that individuals can play in preserving history, as personal archives and forgotten tapes can offer new insights and deepen our understanding of pivotal moments in time.
Kei Sugimoto’s decision to release his footage adds a valuable chapter to the ongoing narrative of 9/11. By sharing this unique perspective, he has contributed to the historical documentation of an event that continues to shape the world. The footage serves as a testament to the power of visual media in preserving history, allowing future generations to witness and comprehend the magnitude of the events that took place on that fateful day.
As this footage continues to circulate, it reinforces the importance of remembering 9/11 not just as a tragic event, but as a moment that united people in grief, resilience, and a shared commitment to never forget. Kei Sugimoto’s release of never-before-seen footage from 9/11 offers a fresh perspective on a day that irrevocably changed the course of history.
This new angle of the Twin Towers’ collapse serves as a powerful reminder of the event’s enormity and its lasting impact on the world. As we continue to reflect on 9/11 and its aftermath, Sugimoto’s footage becomes an essential piece of the historical puzzle, ensuring that the memory of that day remains vivid for future generations. The emergence of this footage reminds us that even decades later, the stories of 9/11 are still unfolding, waiting to be discovered and shared with the world.
