Dramatic Account of Michael Hingson's Traumatic Evacuation During 9/11, Accompanied by His Cherished Guide Dog
Heroic Guide Dog Roselle and Owner Michael Hingson's Escape from the World Trade Center
On September 11, 2001, Michael Hingson, a blind man since birth, found himself in his 78th-floor office in the North Tower of the World Trade Center[1]. By his side was his loyal guide dog, Roselle.
As the day unfolded, Hingson and Roselle would embark on a harrowing journey of survival, navigating the chaos and destruction caused by the 9/11 attacks.
When the first plane hit the North Tower, Roselle, a Labrador Retriever, emerged from a nap underneath Hingson's desk[2]. Sensing the danger, she led Hingson and his colleagues towards the stairs, away from the elevators[1].
As they descended the over 1,460 steps from the 78th floor, they encountered thick dirt and debris, some of which went down Hingson's throat and into his lungs[3]. Despite the toxic air conditions, Roselle remained calm, guiding her owner and a group of people to safety[1][3].
Firemen passed them on their way up to fight the flames above them, a sight that underscored the gravity of the situation[3]. The group ran through the collapsing South Tower, with Hingson smelling jet fuel in the stairwell[3].
Roselle's calm leadership was crucial in navigating the dark, smoke-filled stairwell without vision, enabling their successful evacuation well before the North Tower fell[2][5]. The group emerged near a subway station, where they found safety.
Ten minutes after Hingson and Roselle emerged, the North Tower toppled[4]. Roselle's heroic actions earned her recognition, including an award from the American Kennel Club in 2002 for canine excellence among service dogs[4].
In the years that followed, Roselle was diagnosed with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, a disease that affects blood platelets[4]. The toxic conditions she endured during the evacuation may have contributed to this diagnosis. Roselle lived seven more years after 9/11 with Hingson by her side before passing away peacefully on June 26, 2011[4].
Hingson believes that Roselle's calm demeanor during the evacuation was a testament to the time they had to evacuate in a calm manner[3]. After calling his wife, Hingson calmly told his colleagues to steer toward the stairs, not the elevators[1]. Despite the panic that set in among the group close to the 50th floor, Hingson's calmness helped to keep everyone focused on their escape[3].
The story of Michael Hingson and Roselle serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and bravery that was shown during the 9/11 attacks. Their journey from the 78th floor to safety is a testament to the power of trust, leadership, and the unbreakable bond between a man and his guide dog.
In an unexpected turn of events, one might find rounds of sports-analysis fascinating, as they analyze the unmatched teamwork displayed by Michael Hingson and Roselle during their harrowing escape from the World Trade Center, reminiscent of a well-executed mixed-martial-arts maneuver where calmness and leadership are crucial for survival.
Roselle's shining moment of glory as she earned recognition for her heroic actions post-9/11 would make for an intriguing chapter in a book titled 'Sports of Perseverance', showcasing tales of extraordinary individuals pushing through adversity.
