[Preparedness for terrorist attack in the United States--the role of forensic pathologists and medical examiners].

Long distance airplanes hijacked by terrorists suddenly struck the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2001. The city responded with efficient emergency service and there were a number of learning points for future planning. Early activation of the Disaster Mortuary Operation Response Team (DMORT) provided efficient family assistance by setting up a comprehensive Information Database Center and assisted the Medical Examiner in identifying the deceased.