Fact Check: 270 lives were lost in the Lockerbie bombing, a grim reminder of retaliation risks.

Fact Check: "270 lives were lost in the Lockerbie bombing, a grim reminder of retaliation risks."

What We Know

The Lockerbie bombing refers to the tragic incident involving Pan Am Flight 103, which occurred on December 21, 1988. The flight was en route from London to New York City when it was destroyed by a bomb over Lockerbie, Scotland. The attack resulted in the deaths of all 259 individuals on board, which included 243 passengers and 16 crew members, as well as 11 residents of Lockerbie who were killed when debris from the aircraft fell onto the town. This brings the total fatalities to 270, making it the deadliest terrorist attack in the history of the United Kingdom (Wikipedia, Syracuse University Archives).

Analysis

The claim that "270 lives were lost in the Lockerbie bombing" is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. The Wikipedia entry on Pan Am Flight 103 provides a detailed account of the incident, confirming the total number of fatalities as 270. Additionally, the FBI's historical account of the bombing corroborates this figure, emphasizing the international impact of the tragedy, which included victims from 21 different countries.

The Syracuse University Archives also highlights the significant loss of life, noting that among those killed were 190 American citizens, making it the deadliest terrorist attack against American civilians prior to September 11, 2001. This source is particularly credible as it is dedicated to preserving the memory and legacy of the victims, providing a comprehensive historical context.

While there have been various conspiracy theories surrounding the bombing, including claims about the involvement of different groups, these do not alter the verified facts regarding the number of lives lost. The consensus among credible sources remains that the total number of fatalities is indeed 270.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "270 lives were lost in the Lockerbie bombing" is accurate. The evidence from multiple reputable sources consistently confirms this figure, which includes both the passengers and crew aboard the flight as well as the residents of Lockerbie who were tragically affected by the bombing.