TLC PRESENTS 9/11: HEROES OF THE 88th FLOOR - Premieres September 4 at 9pm ET/PT

TLC presents 9/11: HEROES OF THE 88th FLOOR, an extraordinary tale of bravery and survival inside the World Trade Center after Flight 11 struck the North Tower on September 11, 2001.  Premiering Sunday, September 4 at 9 PM (ET/PT), the two-hour special introduces viewers to two remarkable men and their unforgettable story of sacrifice and courage that emerged from the tragedy of 9/11. 
  
9/11: HEROES OF THE 88th FLOOR is told through first-hand testimonials from survivors, recounting the 102 minutes before the North Tower collapsed.  This program puts the spotlight on the extraordinary rescue work of construction manager Frank De Martini and construction inspector Pablo Ortiz, who both worked with the Port Authority on the 88th floor.  Armed only with a flashlight, a crowbar and walkie talkies, the two men selflessly worked to rescue survivors from behind jammed doors on the upper floors of the North Tower. 

Sadly, both Frank and Pablo died in the terror attack--but their acts of heroism and courage saved the lives of 77 people and touched many more.  Their bravery and sacrifice inspired those around them to step up and help others as they exited the towers, which in turn saved many more lives. Through archival footage and dramatic recreations, audiences relive their terrifying struggle for survival and discover what it was like to be trapped in the midst of this tragic day.

Throughout 9/11: HEROES OF THE 88th FLOOR, those who knew these heroes highlight the character traits that drove them to perform such selfless acts.  Nicole De Martini was by her husband's side when Flight 11 hit the North Tower and in the special shares her account of what happened when she was separated from her husband, from the moment he said, "I'll be right behind you," until the North Tower fell.

Survivors whose lives collided with Frank and Pablo also express their overwhelming gratitude.  "I owe my life to Frank and Pablo, they are my heroes, they are the reason I can have a life of any kind," says Thomas Haddad, one of the survivors from the 89th floor.  Frank and Pablo made it their mission that fateful day to help as many people as possible - they sacrificed their lives, and now, a decade later, the survivors they touched are telling their story.

9/11: HEROES OF THE 88th FLOOR is produced by Darlow Smithson Productions for TLC. It is directed by James Quinn, produced by Tamara Rosenberg and executive produced by Julian Ware for Darlow Smithson Productions.