A new BBC documentary titled “Lockerbie: Our Story” shares the personal tales of six victims from Britain’s deadliest terrorist attack.
On December 21, 1988, Pan Am flight 103 was destroyed over Lockerbie, Scotland. This resulted in the deaths of all 259 people on board. Additionally, 11 more people died on the ground. This incident remains the UK’s most tragic crime scene and the worst terrorist attack on British soil.
For almost four decades, the bombing has been surrounded by investigations, disputes, and conspiracy theories. These often overshadow the experiences of the victims. This poignant documentary shifts the focus to the passengers, telling the stories of six individuals who boarded that ill-fated flight.
For the first time, their family and friends share personal memories. They talk about who they were and what they aspired to. They also speak about the futures they lost. They recount their reasons for being on the flight and express regrets about potential warnings they had received.
Olive Gordon was a victim. She was a 25-year-old hairdresser. Minas Kulukundis was also among the victims. He was a 38-year-old shipping magnate. Tim Burman, a 24-year-old banker, was another victim. Terri Saunders and Billy MacAllister were a couple. They were buried together after their passing. Helga Mosey, a 19-year-old musician, was also lost. Their loved ones reminisce about the joyful, painful, and treasured memories they hold dear.
Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning for Documentaries, stated that the film finally brings attention to the personal narratives. It highlights the stories behind the tragedy. Louise Thornton, Head of BBC Scotland Commissioning, noted the lasting impact of the Lockerbie disaster. She highlighted that the documentary will honour those who perished. It will also sensitively share the stories of those left behind.
Alan Clements is the Managing Director and Executive Producer at Two Rivers Media. He emphasised the importance of the families’ willingness to share their stories. Many of these stories have never been told before. He reiterated the commitment to capturing individual experiences, whether in this film or other productions.
Lockerbie: Our Story is produced by Two Rivers Media for BBC One, BBC Scotland, and iPlayer. Stephen Bennett directs the film, with executive production by Alan Clements. Clare Sillery and Louise Thornton oversaw its commissioning, with Aisling O’Connor and David Harron as commissioning editors.
The BBC and Netflix are collaborating with World Productions. They are creating a six-part drama about the investigation into the Pan Am 103 bombing. It will also cover the community response in Lockerbie. This series will premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One later this year, with a global release on Netflix afterwards.