Brian Clark and Stanley Praimnath

Brian Clark and Stanley Praimnath: A 9/11 Story of Survival and Brotherhood

On September 11, 2001, Brian Clark, an executive vice president for Euro Brokers, was on the 84th floor of the South Tower (2 World Trade Center) when the unimaginable occurred. As a designated fire marshal for his office, Brian’s role that day would go far beyond his official duties, intertwining his fate with that of Stanley Praimnath and forging a bond that would last a lifetime.

Initially, the South Tower was not ordered to evacuate following the attack on the North Tower, as the threat was perceived to be localized. However, when United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower, chaos erupted. The nose of the plane came to rest just 130 feet from Stanley Praimnath’s desk, leaving him trapped behind a wall of debris in an office that was nearly obliterated.

Amid the chaos, Brian heard Stanley’s cries for help. Equipped with his fire marshal flashlight, Brian navigated the destruction to locate the source of the voice. He found Stanley trapped behind the one wall in the office that remained standing. Desperate to escape, Stanley punched through the drywall while Brian cleared debris. With extraordinary determination, Brian pulled Stanley to safety, earning Stanley’s nickname for him: “Superman.”

At the time, Brian had been debating whether to ascend the building to assist others or to evacuate. Meeting Stanley solidified his decision to descend. The two men began their harrowing journey down the South Tower, encountering devastation and injured individuals along the way. On the 31st floor, they paused to call 911 on behalf of a wounded man stranded on the 44th floor. Despite the growing danger, Brian and Stanley persisted, eventually exiting the building just five minutes before it collapsed.

In the aftermath, Stanley declared that Brian had saved his life. Yet Brian credits Stanley for saving his, as their meeting had determined his course of action. Together, they are among just 18 people who survived from above the impact zone of United Airlines Flight 175.

Today, Brian and Stanley refer to each other as “blood brothers,” a testament to the profound bond forged through their shared experience. Their story is one of courage, quick thinking, and mutual reliance—a beacon of hope amid the tragedy of 9/11.

Reflecting on that day, their survival serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of human connection and the extraordinary feats ordinary people can achieve in the face of adversity.

Cited sources