Demolition Theories

Theories of the Twin Towers' Destruction Rejecting Gravity-Driven Collapse

Plausible theories of the destruction of the Twin Towers recognize that the observed features of the collapses are not consistent with gravity-driven collapses, and postulate additional inputs of energy by some means. In the five years since the attack there has been a great deal of speculation about just how the demolitions were engineered. We review some of the most prominent theories, some of which are credible and some of which aren't. We divide the theories into three categories: untennable ones contradicted by evidence, exotic ones lacking proof of concept, and plausible ones consistent with evidence.

• Untennable theories
  • basement bombs
  • nuclear devices
• Exotic theories
  • directed energy weapons
  • radiant energy projectiles
• Plausible theories
  • distributed explosives
  • thermobaric devices
  • thermite preparations

The various theories are not mutually exclusive. It is possible that a combination of distributed conventional explosives, thermobaric devices, and thermite preparations were used in combination to execute the demolitions.