Almost 20 years following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, a never-before-seen video has appeared on YouTube, shedding new light on the attacks from an unprecedented viewpoint.
Uploaded by Kevin Westley, this nearly nine-minute clip is notable for its exceptional clarity and rare perspective. Shot from a boat, it captures the chilling moment when the second plane crashed into the South Tower—a viewpoint that had never been publicly revealed until now.
For years, it was assumed that all key footage from that day had been uncovered. Countless photos and videos circulated widely after the tragedy, memorializing the nearly 3,000 victims and the collapse of the World Trade Center. Yet, Westley’s recent upload proves that even after many years, fresh and important insights can still emerge.
A Haunting Scene Captured on Film
The video begins with the North Tower already engulfed in flames following the impact of American Airlines Flight 11. The camera focuses on papers drifting through the smoke-filled air. Then, just two minutes in, the shot pivots to reveal the second plane soaring low over the water before striking the South Tower.
In the background, shocked voices from onlookers aboard the boat express disbelief at the unfolding disaster.
Why This Footage Remained Hidden
Westley explained in a statement that he had initially uploaded the footage back in the early 2000s but accidentally set it to private. It stayed unseen until he realized the mistake and made it available to the public.
Along with the video, he shared reflections on both witnessing the attacks firsthand and his experiences as an aircraft commander during the 2003 Iraq War.
Personal Memories of Tragedy and Combat
Westley recounted the 9/11 attacks with vivid detail: “In a heartbeat, I saw 2,763 lives lost, and thousands more injured.” He recalled being swallowed by the dust cloud from the towers’ collapse and spotting a child’s photo amid the chaos, wondering if the child was left parentless.
He also reflected on haunting moments from his military service. On his first day in Iraq, the man sitting next to him on the transport plane was killed by a mortar strike the following day. Explosions often disrupted the night’s silence, once even sending gravel crashing onto his tent.
Frequently assigned to funeral details, he described escorting fallen soldiers and pondering the families they left behind: “Did they have spouses? Children? Had their parents been informed?” He closed with a poignant thought: “War takes a piece of your soul that can never be recovered in this lifetime.”
Remembering the Bravery of 9/11 First Responders
Among the countless enduring images from 9/11 is that of firefighter Mike Kehoe ascending the stairs of the North Tower, a stark contrast to others who were fleeing. Captured in a striking photograph that graced the front page of the Mirror, Kehoe’s courage became emblematic of the heroism shown by first responders that day.
Kehoe survived, while 343 firefighters lost their lives. Over time, several of his colleagues succumbed to cancer linked to toxic exposure at Ground Zero. Despite these losses, Kehoe has remained committed to firefighting. When asked in 2021 why he continues the job, he simply said, “I just love it.”
He remembered well the encouraging words from bystanders as they climbed toward the impact area. Soon, however, orders came to evacuate. “We turned back immediately. The lobby looked like a war zone—rubble everywhere.” Miraculously, all six firefighters in Kehoe’s Engine 28 team survived, a rare blessing amid overwhelming tragedy.