America in shock after shuttle disaster

Americans today expressed “shock and disbelief” as they woke up to news of the shuttle disaster.

Across the US people were glued to TV pictures of Columbia disintegrating as it descended over Texas.

“This is terrible, really terrible. I haven’t felt as shocked as this since 9/11,” said New Yorker Jennifer Bond, who watched the news unfold as she ate her breakfast.

Details of the crash emerged at shortly after 9am on the US East Coast and 6am on the West Coast.

President George Bush, who had planned to spend the weekend in Camp David, rushed back to the White House after being told of the accident.

News channels, which had been dominated by reports of the Iraq crisis, immediately switched to give blanket coverage of the disaster.

The most graphic pictures showed a vapour trail from the craft, as it flew over Dallas, disintegrate into several separate trails as the shuttle broke up.

Texas journalist John Pronk, who shot the footage, said it was not until he returned to his office and watched the video that he realised the full significance of what had happened.

“I was telling myself ’this must be what is meant to happen’. I couldn’t believe it could be falling apart in front of my eyes.”

Engineer Gabriel Manriquez from Lubbock, Texas, found out as he turned on the TV to check his share prices before taking his grandchildren out.

“It was a total surprise, and fairly frightening as it was happening so close to where we live,” he said.

“My son in law went out to look for debris which we were warned was dangerous but thankfully didn’t find any.”

For many, it revived memories of space shuttle Challenger exploding shortly after lift-off in 1986.

Ms Bond added: “I was in shock and disbelief. I never believed something like this could happen again.”

Some also feared terrorism, especially as the shuttle was carrying the first Israeli astronaut.

The presence of Ilan Ramon, a former colonel in Israel’s air force, led to an increase in security both for Columbia’s January 16 launch and for its landing.

But most seemed satisfied that the high altitude of the craft indicated it was no more than a tragic accident.

Until the crash, the shuttle’s mission had attracted very little attention as the nation geared up for military action aimed at toppling Saddam Hussein.

“This changes it all. It’s going to dominate everyone’s thoughts for a long time,” said Ms Bond.

“It’s a real kick in the teeth just when we need it least.”