WASHINGTON (voa) – Israel says this a tragic and mournful day, while residents in a small town in India are expressing shock at the death of a hometown astronaut. A spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon says it is a sad day for all of humanity following the deaths of seven astronauts aboard the Columbia space shuttle.
Israeli television interrupted regular programming upon news that Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli in space, would not return to Earth safely today. Indian officials say they are saddened by the loss and offered condolences to the family of Kalpana Chawla, a female U.S. astronaut from the northern Indian town of Karnal.
Hundreds of children had gathered at Ms. Chawla’s former school to watch the landing and returned home, saddened by the tragic end of her second space flight.
The Russian space agency described the breaking apart of the shuttle minutes before landing as a “terrible catastrophe.” The Russian agency has offered to assist in an investigation into the incident. Governments and representatives from around the world, including Canada, Germany, China and the European Commission expressed sadness over the event.
President Bush phoned the leaders of Mexico, Israel, France, Russia and Canada.
