Historical Incidents

Rescue Effort Rolls On At Ground Zero

Sept. 24, 2001

Source WABC - New York, NY

Larger equipment is being rolled in as part of the rescue and recovery effort. Yes, it is still being called a "rescue." This weekend, the numbers again climbed. Anthony Johnson reports. Here are the current numbers: 261 bodies have now been recovered. 194 victims have been identified. The number of missing now stands at 6,453. The rescue workers at Ground Zero have pulled out a huge section of one of the planes that crashed into one of the twin towers as they continue their efforts to climb through the mountains of debris. There is one sign of life that's endured around the ruins, volunteers putting their backs into emptying an 18 wheeler packed with donations. Rhonda Roland Shearer, Volunteer: "We have found at Ground Zero, the supply chain has been difficult, because of the bio-hazard effect. They have to throw out boots and clothing everyday. This creates a tremendous need for clothing." But even the volunteers feel the change. The bucket brigades are gone and they are replaced by heavier, faster working machines. The men and women working in the pile no longer draw much energy from the fading hope that someone might still be found alive. Rescue worker: "It is kinda hopeless really." Workers moving debris did find a ten-foot section of jetliner fuselage. But there's still no sign of the voice and data recorders from the two jets that hit the towers. No heavy machinery allowed, but some people are finally getting back into their Battery Park apartments. More than 8000 people have applied for government aid and for many the homecoming had a bitter edge. Battery Park Resident: "I am angry. I am so angry. But they are not throwing me out of my house. I will go down with my ship." The number of people unaccounted for continues to increase, according to the mayor's office because they have made some revisions on the list.