'New York coffee stop on 9/11 saved my life'

September 11, 2026

Three individuals with connections to England's West Country share their experiences of being in New York during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. Paul Lilley from Chippenham believes he and his wife narrowly escaped death at the World Trade Center because they stopped for coffee before reaching the towers. Bristol resident Marisa Domizio witnessed the towers burning from her apartment window and sought others at a coffee shop to understand the unfolding events.

Who is affected

Paul Lilley and his wife Wendy (were near the World Trade Center during the attacks)
Marisa Domizio (witnessed the attacks from New York)
Bob Ayers, retired CIA intelligence officer (lost colleagues who died in the Pentagon attack)
Nearly 3,000 people who were killed in the attacks
Bob Ayers' colleagues working in the Pentagon office spaces

What action is being taken

The world is commemorating 25 years since the 9/11 attacks
Paul Lilley and his wife Wendy fly to New York every five years to pay their respects to those who died

Why it matters

This marks the 25th anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack in U.S. history, which killed nearly 3,000 people and fundamentally changed global security, counterterrorism efforts, and international relations. The personal accounts demonstrate how the attacks affected individuals beyond those directly killed or injured, creating lasting trauma and memories for witnesses and those who narrowly escaped. The event remains vivid for survivors decades later, showing the profound psychological impact of the attacks.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC