Inside the 29 minutes that captured 9/11: CBS News cameraman reflects on what he saw at Ground Zero

South Tower Collapse at 9:5900:02

Mark LaGanga, CBS News cameraman, began filming at 10:00 a.m. immediately after the South Tower collapsed. Initial confusion surrounded the event as witnesses heard sounds but could not immediately identify what had occurred. People were running as the building collapsed, with some realizing "Part of the building collapsed." LaGanga had no idea the building had collapsed at the moment, and others around him were similarly unaware.

Assignment to Lower Manhattan00:30

LaGanga received the assignment when CBS received reports of a plane crash on the southern tip of Manhattan. The initial information indicated a small plane had crashed into a building. He was paired with Bo Whites, the sound person, and they were sent to cover the incident. Initially, the team assumed it was a minor accident.

Decision to Separate from Sound Person01:02

Upon arrival, LaGanga decided to proceed alone with the camera while Bo stayed with the vehicle to take still photos. The rationale was to move quicker without being encumbered. Smoke and debris were visible from their position, indicating something significant was occurring, though the full scope remained unclear.

Advancing Toward the Scene01:31

LaGanga emphasized that journalists are there to document events, requiring them to move closer to capture what was happening. He stated there was "no fear in my mind at all to walk forward" despite the danger. The area had transformed into what appeared to be a "gray desert" due to the massive dust cloud from the collapsed South Tower, making it difficult to orient oneself.