Ron DiFrancesco: The Last Survivor to Escape the South Tower on 9/11

On September 11, 2001, as the world watched in horror, stories of survival emerged that continue to inspire and astonish. One such story is that of Ron DiFrancesco, a Canadian bond trader who is believed to be the last person to escape the South Tower of the World Trade Center before its collapse.​

A Routine Day Shattered

Ron DiFrancesco, originally from Hamilton, Ontario, was working on the 84th floor of the South Tower for Euro Brokers Inc. The day began like any other, but everything changed when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower at 8:46 AM. Witnessing the devastation, DiFrancesco and his colleagues were initially assured that their building was secure and that they should remain at their desks.​

The Moment of Impact

At 9:03 AM, United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower, impacting floors 77 through 85. The right wing of the aircraft sliced through DiFrancesco’s office, causing immediate chaos and destruction. He and a colleague, Mike, were thrown forward, covered in debris, and initially unaware that a plane had struck their building. ​

A Desperate Escape

In the aftermath, DiFrancesco and others attempted to evacuate via Stairwell A, the only stairwell that remained passable from top to bottom. However, they encountered individuals ascending the stairs, claiming that the path downward was impassable due to smoke and debris. This led to confusion and hesitation among those trying to escape. ​

A Fateful Decision

Despite the warnings, DiFrancesco decided to continue his descent. Battling thick smoke, intense heat, and debris, he pressed on, driven by the thought of reuniting with his wife and four children. At one point, overwhelmed by the conditions, he collapsed and felt a sense of resignation. It was then that he heard a clear and calm voice urging him to get up and continue. This inexplicable encounter gave him the strength to persevere. ​

Emerging from the Inferno

DiFrancesco eventually reached the lobby, where firefighters directed him toward an exit. He stumbled out of the building approximately 54 minutes after the plane’s impact. Moments later, at 9:59 AM, the South Tower collapsed. DiFrancesco was knocked unconscious by the ensuing debris and woke up days later in St. Vincent’s Hospital in Greenwich Village, suffering from burns over 60% of his body, a head laceration, and a broken bone in his back. ​

Life After Survival

The traumatic experience left DiFrancesco with both physical and emotional scars. He grappled with survivor’s guilt, especially knowing that 61 of his colleagues from Euro Brokers perished that day. For years, he refrained from speaking publicly about his ordeal, not wanting to reopen wounds for the families of those who didn’t survive. However, he eventually chose to share his story as a message of hope and resilience, reminding others to cherish every moment and find strength in adversity. ​

A Testament to Human Resilience

Ron DiFrancesco’s journey from the 84th floor of the South Tower to survival is a remarkable testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and overcome. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of courage and determination in the face of unimaginable odds.

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