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Although space shuttle Columbia broke apart Feb. 1 and showered debris on Burlington Northern Santa Fe's northern Texas "backyard," the railroad found no wreckage along its rights of way, according to a statement issued Feb. 5.


BNSF conducted a thorough search in conjunction with local, state and federal law enforcement, and NASA officials.


The railroad also urged northern Texas residents not to trespass onto tracks to search for debris.


"We recognize the community's concern and sincere interest to help locate parts of the space shuttle," said Pat Carter, BNSF assistant vice president, Resource Protection Solutions Team. "However, our concern is for citizens placing themselves in harm's way of moving trains in search for something that just is not there."