World Trade Center history: The 1993 bombing and September 11 attacks

The World Trade Center was the site of two major terrorist incidents in New York City. On February 26, 1993, a group of radicals led by Ramzi Yousef detonated a massive homemade explosive charge in the North Tower's underground parking garage. The blast created a 30-meter crater, damaged support columns, and caused six deaths and over 1,000 injuries. The attack resulted in approximately $500 million in damages and led to the installation of new safety markings by the Port Authority.

On September 11, 2001, the complex was struck by airplanes, leading to the total collapse of the towers. Witnesses near the Hudson River reported seeing smoke rising from the towers and watching the second plane approach before the buildings fell.