In pictures: Attack on the Pentagon

After the double attack on the twin towers of the World Trade Center, a third plane crashed into Washington's Pentagon building.

The blast from the plane set one side of the Pentagon ablaze flattening cars and spreading debris

Emergency services were soon at the scene to fight fires and help with the evacuation

The blast sent a plume of smoke high into the air above Washington

Fire-fighters battled to control the blaze after efforts had been made to evacuate the building

The Pentagon would usually be the centre of the US military's response to an emergency

Part of the Pentagon collapsed after the plane struck

Fighters and helicopters patrolled above the Pentagon in case of a second attack

There were traffic jams in Washington as cars tried to get further away from the Pentagon