Staff at Nasa headquarters in Washington DC struggled to take in the tragic news

As shuttle debris rained down drivers near Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, were given advice on how to deal with it

People were warned not to touch wreckage as much of it was burning hot or covered in caustic chemicals

As the deaths of all seven astronauts were confirmed flags were lowered throughout the country

Many paused in a minute of silence to pay tribute to the six Americans and one Israeli on board Columbia

The heaviest burden of loss naturally falls on the family and friends of the crew