US President Says World Trade Center Attack "Apparent Terrorist AttackPresident Bush said Tuesday that two plane crashes into the World Trade Center are "an apparent terrorist attack" on the United States.Speaking soon after the crashes, he said the investigation is under way. Notified of the tragedy before a scheduled education speech in Florida, the president canceled the event and made plans to return to Washington. Two planes crushed into the twin towers of the 110-story World Trade Center around 9:00a.m. (1300GMT). Explosions spewed thick smoke from the upper floors of the two buildings. US officials said the crushes may be a suicide mission against the United States. There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths in the disaster. 2 Planes Crash Into World Trade CenterTwo Planes crashed into the upper floors of both World Trade Center towers minutes apart Tuesday morning in a horrific scene of explosions and fires that left gaping holes in the 110-story buildings.There was no immediate word on injuries or fatalities in the twin disasters, which occurred around 9 a.m. President George W. Bush said Tuesday that the crashes were "an apparent terrorist attack on our country." In Washington, officials said the FBI was investigating reports of a plane hijacking before the crashes. A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the agency is pursuing reports that one or both of the planes were hijacked and that the crashes may have been the result of a suicide mission. "The plane was coming in low and ... it looked like it hit at a slight angle," said Sean Murtagh, a CNN vice-president, the network reported. Large holes were visible in sides of the 110-story buildings, landmark twin towers. US White House Evacuated Amid Terrorist ThreatThe US White House was evacuated Tuesday morning after the Secret Service received credible threat of a terrorist act against the presidential mansion and residence. |
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