Tina´s job today was camera. They met with the young artist named Justin Wilson and sat up the lights, sound and camera. Josh were the reporter today.
A few hours later, they were in the middle of shooting when they heard a loud sound, like an explosion inside the station. Seconds later they see the orange coloured fire and the smoke, filling up the area and one of the coaches comes sliding in, pulling down walls and pillars on it´s journey. Josh grabs Tina´s arm and they start running. They get half way up the escalator before it´s dark.
Everything happened so fast. The roof collapsed and, fires and a lot of smoke filled up every area. People were trapped.
The total silence took over, time stood still for a few moments. Sirens were heard in the distance as the ambulances and firetrucks struggled to get there as soon as possible. A few police cars arrived fast and started evacuating the building. Wasn´t long before the News channels arrived at the scene, trying to get the story on air first, and moments later it was out there for everyone to see.
The firetrucks and ambulances arrived and started assessing the scene. Where to go in first.
Chief Hawkins, laid out the technical drawings of City Hall Station.
“Tom, Jersey, Get your team together. You´re going in. Do not go further than possible at first. Look for survivers.” Chief Hawkins says.
“Sure boss. We´ll come out with details in a few.” Tom says and walks away with Jersey to their team.
By now, a large group of people has gathered outside the building, praying that none of their friends or family were inside when it happened.
The police has set up a Missing Center, where people can give their info on friends and family that they know were in there or might have been there.
Callie, Tina´s classmate comes running towards the stand.
“Excuse me, my friends are in there.” Callie says to one of the policeman.
“You have picure of them? Name, description?” The policeman says.
“Sure. They are 4, they were filming, we´re students from the Art Institute. They were scheduled to be down there all day. Also a young artist, Justin Wilson, 20 years old. I don´t know how he look like. But there is Christina Kennard, Josh Hawkins, Daniel Spencer and Sarah Campbell. I have a group picture of them.” Callie says and takes out a picture and gives it to him.
“Thank you. Will you fill out this form, so we get all we need.” The policeman says and gives her the form. Callie fills it out as fast as she can. He looks at the officer next to him, with a questionable look.
“Please find them. I know for sure that they´re down there.” Callie says.
“We´ll do our best mam.” The policeman says.
“Thank you.” Callie says. She walks away and takes out her cell phone. She dials the school to tell them what´s going on.
“Hello, this is Callie MacEntire. I´m a student there. I need to speak with the Dean of the film department.” Callie says.
“Please hold.” The woman says. A few seconds go by before a man comes on.
“This is Dean Carter.” He says.
“Hello, Dean Carter, this is Callie MacEntire, I´m in the Film Production class. Have you seen the news yet?” She asks.
“No, why?” He asks.
“Turn on Channel 3.” She says.
He turns on the TV, and is shocked to see what has happened.
“God, what? When?” He asks.
“City Hall Station, 30 minutes ago. Dean Carter, 4 of your students were inside at the time.” Callie says.
“Oh my God. Have you heard anything?” He asks.
“No, I´m here now, I just gave them a picture of them and descriptions.” Callie says.
“Which students?” He asks.
“Christina Kennard, Josh Hawkins, Daniel Spencer and Sarah Campbell. They were scheduled to film there all day. Also a local graffiti artist were down there.” Callie says.
“I have to notify their parents.” Dean Carter says. “Can I count on you to stay down there? and tell me any new developments?” He asks.
“Off course. They´re my friends. I´ll call as soon as I know anything.” Callie says.
They hang up and Dean Carter walks out of his office and to his assistant.
“Screen all my calls. Every call from Callie MacEntire, goes through but rest, get them to call another time. There´s been a accident at City Hall Station, 4 of my students were there.
“Yes Sir.” The assistant says.
The Dean goes back into his office and closes the door. He gets some files out of one of the cabinets. It´s the 4 files of the students. He starts with Sarah´s parents.
At last he calls Tina´s parents. It´s Joanne who answers.
“Kennard speaking.” She says.
“Mrs. Kennard, this is Dean Carter from Art Institute of Philadelphia.” He says.
“Dean Carter, hello, what can I do for you?” Joanne asks.
“I´m afraid there´s been an accident Mrs. Kennard. Christina was involved.” He says.
“What? Oh my God, how is she?” Joanne asks.
“I´m sorry, but I don´t know. It only happen a little while ago. She and her group were filming at City Hall Station. It´s a train accident, it seems like. It´s on the news, check CNN.” He says.
Joanne turns on the TV and is shocked to see how bad it seems.
“It says they haven´t found any survivors yet.” Joanne says as tears starts to fall down her cheeks.
“I know. But it´s still early. Have hope Mrs. Kennard. If you want to come up here, the school will take care of accommodations for you and your family. Just give me the word. We´ll do anything to help.” He says.
“Thank you. I think we will take you up on that. We´ll leave soon. I just have to tell my husband and Christina´s brother and sister.” Joanne says.
“Off course. Give me a call when you get into town. I´ll have a room ready for you and your family.” He says.
“Thank you. Bye.” Joanne says and hangs up. She breaks down in front of the TV. Then Megan comes in.
“Mommy? Why are you crying?” Megan asks worriedly.
“Oh sweetie, go get your brother.” Joanne says. She dials her husband right away.
“Hello, Paul speaking.” He says.
“Paul, I need you to get home. Christina’s been in an accident.” Joanne says and continues crying.
“How is she?” He asks.
“I don´t know. The Dean of her school called a few minutes ago. There´s been an accident at City Hall Station. She was there with her friends, filming. God, Paul, what if she´s…” Joanne says.
“Joanne, stop, do not say the word. Stay there, I´ll be home in 10 minutes. I´m leaving right away.” He says.
“Okay.” Joanne replies and hangs up.
Moments later, Megan comes in with Michael follwing.
“Mom? Megan said you were crying.” Michael says as Joanne turns towards him. “And she was right. What´s going on?” He asks.
“Come, sit down.” Joanne says and takes a seat on the couch. Michael and Megan joins her.
“So? What´s going on?” Michael asks.
“There´s been an accident…” Joanne says.
“Where?” Michael asks.
“Philadelphia. At the City Hall station.” Joanne says.
“Oh my God. Is Tina okay?” He asks.
“We don´t know.” Joanne says and pulls them both closer into a hug.
Megan starts to cry, which breaks Joanne´s heart a little more. “She was filming at the station. That´s all I know.” Joanne says.
Minutes later, Paul comes running in.
“Any news?” He asks as he takes a seat on the table in front of Joanne and takes her hands in his.
“No. I want to get up there. The school has booked us a room. I need to get up there Paul.” Joanne says.
“Off course. We´ll get up there right away. Guys, go and pack a bag. you have 10 minutes.” Pauls says. Michael and Megan run upstairs.
15 minutes later, they are on their way. to Philadelphia by car.