A visitor at an exhibition of photographs depicting the September 11 bombings. Picture by Prashant Mitra

Ranchi, Dec. 13: The horrors of 9/11 came alive today at a photo exhibition, After September 11: Images of Ground Zero, held at St Xavier’s College.

The exhibition was organised by the American Consulate in Calcutta in association with Ranchi University and the state information and public relations department.

The images clicked by American photographer, Joel Meyerowitz, transported the viewers to the fateful day in New York when the twin towers of World Trading Centre were demolished by terrorists.

A video recording of the statements of the people as they reeled under the shock of the attack was also shown.

The exhibition showcases a selection from the 5,002 snaps clicked by Meyerowitz.

“His pictures reflect the disgrace brought upon humanity on that fateful Tuesday. People died because of a fanatic who thought he was fighting for the good of mankind,” said an American consulate delegate.

Reminiscing his childhood days, consulate deputy public relations officer Paul Narain said it was great fun to go up the main elevator to the top floor of the twin towers to get a view of the New York skyline. “The feeling cannot be described,” he said.

“WTC was a place for the young. It was an immensely popular hangout for young girls and boys. It is a pity that it has been demolished. Those who could not see the towers will be missing out on the excitement. The attack was not only a blow to America but to the whole world. Those who perished were people of 95 countries. Innocent people starting for a days work were killed,” Narain added.

The photo exhibition, which is a part of the US campaign against terrorism, opened on the first anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament.

The photograph of an injured fireman in a memorial service speaks of the mood of the time.