The United States on Friday, September 11, is commemorating nearly 3,000 people killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, 25 years after al-Qaeda hijackers seized four passenger planes and carried out coordinated attacks across the country.
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to attend a memorial service at the Pentagon, while relatives of victims in New York are scheduled to read the names of those who died at the World Trade Center. Another hijacked plane crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers confronted the attackers.
The anniversary also highlights the long-term health consequences of the attacks. U.S. authorities say deaths from illnesses linked to exposure at the disaster sites have since surpassed the number killed on September 11 itself, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recording more than 57,000 cancer cases associated with the attacks.
The collapse of the Twin Towers and ensuing fires released toxic dust and other hazardous materials, including asbestos, glass fibres, pulverised concrete and burnt plastics. Friday’s commemorations will include moments of silence to honour those killed in the attacks and those who later died from related illnesses.
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