(Columbia) Feb. 1, 2003 - The Space Shuttle Columbia apparently exploded over eastern Texas Saturday morning, killing all seven astronauts aboard.

President George W. Bush summed up the response of the nation on the loss of the shuttle and its seven astronauts "brought terrible news and great sadness to our country."

People look on with sadness and disbelief all over the Midlands, "Oh my Lord, not another tragedy. I think at this time everyone's thoughts and prayers just have to be with crew and their families."

"It's not just seven people. It's their families and the entire family of the USA."

Elva Stinson, was working out at the YMCA in downtown Columbia, "My first thought was that maybe they got out and would be OK. Then I started thinking they were all dead all these people and their families. You don't talk about the space shuttles taking off and landing anymore because it seems like it's a routine and nobody worries about it. Obviously it's not a routine thing. It's a very dangerous thing."

As it became apparent the seven astronauts had not survived, "I started thinking they were all dead. All these people and their families."

Debbie Fulmer remembered being with her family when she heard the news, "She says, 'Mom, you've got to turn it on. The space shuttle just crashed coming in.' I was so devastated. I just started crying."

The nation also joined in prayer in the face of this devastating reality. Governor Mark Sanford asked South Carolinians to focus their thoughts and prayers on the families affected by the shuttle Columbia disaster.

During a 5:30 mass Saturday evening, some Midland residents went to St. Peter's Catholic Church in Columbia to pray.

While at mass, their prayers undoubtable focused on the people who died in the shuttle, "The people on the ground waiting for these people to come in and what they must have been going through and thinking about it. It's awful."

"I feel our country has been through so much in the last two years. This was just another thing, another obstacle."

"It's times like this to reflect how thankful we are in America and how many blessed things we have every day and we take for granted and the astronauts died doing what they love."

Inside the Carolina Center Gamecock fans heading to the USC-UK basketball game reflected on the tragedy, "One moment they're here and, the next moment, they're gone. Truly a tragedy." People paused to remember the astronauts and their families with a moment of silence.

Doctor Richard Conant was preparing to will sing the National Anthem, "Another sad event, seven lives lost. It's very emotional. I'll try and put a little extra into the National Anthem at the Carolina basketball game today." With maybe a little more emotion than usual, Dr. Conant reminded everyone of the nature of America's greater family.

by Craig Melvin and Kara Gormley

Updated 6:45pm Andrew Pierrotti