It will still be some time before the final death toll from the World Trade Centre is known. What is known is that both Aon and Marsh have lost about 500 people. Marsh has confirmed 313 dead from its 1900 staff. Two others who were not in the buildings also died, one as an aircraft hijack victim.

Aon Chairman and CEO Patrick Ryan has taken out full-page advertisements in newspapers worldwide to praise his staff and thank well-wishers. In Melbourne, Marsh has opened a “book of condolence” in its foyer.