The fuselage of Pan Am Flight 103, which exploded over Lockerbie 36 years ago, is being transferred to the United States ahead of the trial of Abu Ajila Masoud, according to Herald Scotland newspaper.
Masoud, accused of helping to make the bomb that caused the tragedy, is set to stand trial in May 2025 on charges including the destruction of an aircraft resulting in death.
Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, a former Libyan intelligence officer, remains the only individual convicted in connection with the bombing.
In 2001, he was found guilty of 270 counts of murder by a Scottish court convened in The Hague. Released on compassionate grounds in 2009 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, al-Megrahi died in Libya in 2012.
The December 21, 1988, bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 is the deadliest terrorist attack on UK soil and Scotland’s largest-ever homicide case.
The explosion, which occurred 40 minutes after takeoff, killed all 259 people on board and 11 residents of Lockerbie, whose homes were struck by debris.
Scottish prosecutors, led by Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC, have emphasised their commitment to justice.
Bain stated, “The trial court held that this act of state-sponsored terrorism was orchestrated by the Libyan government and that Megrahi was involved with others. The transfer of evidence to the US signifies the dedication of Scottish prosecutors and Police Scotland to bringing all responsible parties to justice.”
Laura Buchan, head of a team of Scottish prosecutors working on the case, confirmed the transfer of physical evidence, including parts of the fuselage, to the US Department of Justice.
She acknowledged the emotional significance of the fuselage for victims’ families, who have been informed of the transfer.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell reaffirmed the commitment to the investigation, expressing solidarity with the victims’ families and friends, and pledging continued collaboration with US law enforcement.
