| Here is some information that offers a somewhat less bleak
perspective of the terrible events of September 11, 2001. It is published here, not to
lessen the value of the memory of those who lost their lives on this tragic day, but to
remind us to have courage that the United States will survive and will continue to be a
champion for Freedom in our World.
(adapted from an email message forwarded to me on Columbus
Day, October 8, 2001 --- And updated on July 4, 2002)
By now everyone is aware of the death toll as well as reports of the destruction
wrought on the U.S.A. in the terrorist attacks of September 11. These were certainly
deplorable acts that we will never forget.
But now is the time to look at the other side of the numbers coming out of New York,
Washington and Pennsylvania. By studying the figures, we can identify a somewhat uplifting
fact that the mainstream media has not reported yet --- the SURVIVAL rates, as well as
some other positive statistics.
The Buildings
The World Trade Center
The twin towers of the World Trade Center were places of employment for over 50,000
people. With the known fatalities and the missing list totaling 2,823 people, that means
over 94% of the people targeted survived the attack.
The Pentagon
Some 23,000 people were the target of a third plane aimed at the Pentagon. The latest
count shows that 126 lost their lives. That is an amazing 99.5% survival rate. In
addition, the plane came in on a trajectory too low to affect a large portion of the
building. On top of that, the section that was hit was the first of five sections to
undergo planned renovations that would help protect the building from terrorist attacks.
Construction crews had recently completed straightening and blast proofing, saving
countless lives. This attack was sad and, of course, tragic for the victims, but a
statistical failure. (there were an estimated 22,875 lives saved!)
The Planes
American Airlines Flight 77
This Boeing 757 that was flown into the outside of the Pentagon could have carried up to
289 people, yet only 64 were aboard. That means that 78% of the seats were empty.
American Airlines Flight 11
This Boeing 767 could have had up to 351 people aboard, but carried 92. Thankfully, 74% of
the seats were unoccupied.
United Airlines Flight 175
Another Boeing 767 that could have seated 351 people had only 65 people on board.
Fortunately it was 81% empty.
United Airlines Flight 93
This Boeing 757 is one of the most uplifting stories yet. The shortest passenger list of
all the flights to be hijacked, it had only 44 people aboard out of a possible 289. That
means 84% of its passenger load was unused. Yet these passengers stood up to the
attackers, thus thwarting a fourth attempted attack upon a national landmark, saving
incalculable hundreds (or thousands) of lives in the process.
In Summary:
Out of a potential 74,280+ victims directly targeted by these cowardly
terrorists, 97% survived or avoided the attacks. That is a higher survival rate than is
experienced by the victims of heart attacks, breast cancer, kidney transplants and liver
transplants, which are all common, survivable illnesses.
Pass this information on to those in fear. AND apprise the media of these facts.
|
Prayer
for Peace
