Local 9/11 survivor recalls escape from South Tower

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houstonian Ashik Kapasi arrived in New York City for a financial training program on Sept. 9, 2001. Two days later his life changed.

He still has the briefcase and the suit jacket he was wearing that day. On Sept. 11, 2001, Kapasi was in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

"It was like a bomb exploded. I definitely thought that a bomb had exploded, never realizing that it was a plane," Kapasi said. "I was holding the stairway and suddenly the stairway was kind of loose, and I felt like this was not something small."

He was on the 68th floor and still remembers every step he took. When he finally got out of the building, the streets were deserted except for one taxi cab.

"He told me, 'Get in the car'. I got in the car, and at that time the South Tower collapsed," Kipasi said.

That cab driver got him to his hotel, but Kapasi never got his name.

"I'm grateful to God that he saved my life. There's nothing more that I can ask," Kipasi said.

Kapasi's colleagues were all safe, but the thousands killed are not lost on him.

"My whole perspective of life has changed after that day. I feel differently that day, that you could just perish in a moment," Kapasi said.

He quit his job in the financial sector and now spends more time with his family.

"Not very religious, but in my own way, I say my prayers," Kipasi said.

For him, life itself is a prayer now for the 2,996 lives lost and the countless others forever changed.

He went to therapy for several months after the attacks, but says he still gets anxious when flying or driving.

He is taking the day off, just like he has every other Sept. 11 since the attacks.