9/11 Survivors: Those Who Escaped the South Tower via Stairwell A | E 175

In this episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen explore the harrowing survival stories from the South Tower during the 9/11 attacks. When United Airlines Flight 175 struck between floors 77-85, only one stairwell remained intact - Stairwell A. Faced with conflicting information and impossible choices, 18 people made the critical decision that saved their lives.

The episode follows the remarkable stories of Brian Clark, who risked his own escape to save a trapped stranger, and Stanley Praimnath, who survived the plane's wing slicing through his office.  Kaycee and Julie examine how split-second decisions, leadership under pressure, and trusting your instincts can mean the difference between life and death.

A powerful reminder that in our darkest moments, the choices we make and the compassion we show can change everything.

00:00 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast
00:28 The Harrowing Tale of Stairwell A
02:01 Brian Clark: A Leader in Crisis
02:57 The Twin Towers: Engineering Marvels and Vulnerabilities
03:53 The First Impact: North Tower Hit
05:05 A Fatal Announcement in the South Tower
07:22 The Second Impact: South Tower Hit
12:13 The Critical Decision: Up or Down?
15:40 A Miraculous Rescue Amidst Chaos
18:37 Brian and Stanley's Harrowing Escape
19:43 Ron DCO's Fateful Decision
21:18 The Descent Through Stairwell A
24:04 Reaching the Ground Floor
26:10 The Collapse of the South Tower
27:37 Ron De Francesco's Miraculous Survival
29:34 The Aftermath and Psychological Impact
32:37 Lessons Learned from 9/11
35:20 The Power of Human Connection
37:36 Reflections and Final Thoughts

 

Email us! [e-mail]

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/

Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

References for Stairwell A Episode

Primary Survivor Accounts

1. Brian Clark (September 11 survivor) - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Clark_(September_11_survivor) Detailed account of Clark's escape, the 81st floor decision point, and rescue of Stanley Praimnath
2. Stanley Praimnath - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Praimnath Account of seeing Flight 175 approaching, diving under desk, and rescue by Brian Clark
3. Canadian last known person to escape World Trade Center on 9/11 - TBNewsWatch.com https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/canadian-last-known-person-to-escape-world-trade-center-on-911-8660497 Ron DiFrancesco's story as the last person to escape the South Tower
4. Final survivor of south tower collapse struggles with scars of 9/11 - Yahoo News https://www.yahoo.com/news/final-survivor-of-south-tower-collapse-struggles-with-scars-of-9-11.html Ron DiFrancesco's post-9/11 trauma and recovery

Official Documentation & Reports

1. 9/11 Commission Report/Chapter 9 - Wikisource https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/9/11_Commission_Report/Chapter_9 Official government analysis of evacuations and emergency response
2. Casualties of the September 11 attacks - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casualties_of_the_September_11_attacks Comprehensive data on casualties, survivors, and evacuation details
3. A timeline of the tragic events that unfolded on Sept 11, 2001 - Fox News https://www.foxnews.com/us/september-11-2001-timeline-events Includes exact wording of "Building Two is secure" announcement
4. Theta Chi Remembers: 9/11 Timeline http