'I became a hostage of war after our British Airline flight was captured'

Daily Mirror

a day ago

A fascinating Sky Documentary airing tonight tells the shocking scandal of British Airways Flight 149, that was held as a hostage of war by Saddam Hussein in 1990
Jolting, rocking and explosions left the passengers on a British Airways flight terrified before their flight became a hostage of war. The extraordinary - and until recently, officially denied - scandal is told in the fascinating Sky Docs and NOW TV documentary Flight 149: Hostage Of War (on tonight, June 11th, at 9pm). It explores the unbelievable story of what happened when a civilian plane unwittingly touched down in the middle of a warzone in 1990.
Jennifer Chappell was just 12 years old when she was one of those taken hostage in Kuwait on Flight 149 - and the terror of those four months has left her traumatised for life. She says: 'My future was stolen. The danger was very real and present, there were soldiers with guns. It was such a horrible experience. That was the last shred of my childhood gone.'
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The tragedy unfolded on August 2, 1990, just after Saddam Hussain's forces stormed Kuwait, when BA Flight 149 stopped there to refuel on route from London Heathrow to Madras. Jennifer, who was travelling with her mum, dad and older brother John, recalls: 'I was looking out of the window and I saw two planes go past and then I saw things fall from the bottom. I thought I was seeing a horrible midair collision.' Then came the realisation it was bombs.
The passengers and crew found themselves trapped, held as hostages by Hussein, becoming pawns in a rapidly escalating international crisis. For over three decades, the British government denied any prior knowledge of the invasion, but new information has come to light and some of the hostages are taking the British government and BA to court to seek justice and the truth. Passenger Barry Manners says: 'I'd like the unvarnished truth.'
There's plenty more on TV tonight - here's the best of the rest..
SPEED CAMERAS: ARE THEY OUT TO GET YOU? 5, 8pm
Are speed cameras targeting us for extra cash, or are they innocently keeping us safe? Well obviously we could all just drive a bit slower, but this tongue-in-cheek show is packed with drivers complaining about these 'sneaky' cash cows. In England and Wales in 2023, we racked up 2.6 million speeding offences, costing motorists over £200 million. The money goes to central government where it can be spent on anything.
Not ideal says motoring expert Quentin Wilson, who says: 'If the public saw that the revenue raised from speeding fines made a visible difference, then perhaps the public would be more behind them.' However, Chief Constable Jo Shiner, National Police Chiefs Council lead for roads policing, says: 'We should be trying to educate people that there's a speed limit for a reason and it's there to make our road's safer.' This documentary also looks at 20mph roads, the impact of driving awareness courses and meets people looking at our driving behaviour, all hoping to slow Britain down.
EXTRAORDINARY, ITV2, 10.05pm
The return of this sharp, fresh sitcom that is set in a world where everyone over the age of 18 develops a superpower. Everyone that is, except for Jen. Breathing new life into the over-done superhero genre, this follows Jen (Máiréad Tyers) as she struggles to be the only adult she knows who is a completely ordinary human. Her best friend Carrie (Sofia Oxenham) can channel spirits of the dead, while friend Kash (Bilal Hasna) can rewind time, like a slightly clunky superman. Watch out for Siobhan McSweeney as Mary, Jen's mother who can control technology.
As season two starts, everyone seems to have a romantic dilemma. Carrie and Kash try to move on from their break up, while Jen works out whether to give up on on amnesiac shapeshifter Jizzlord (Luke Rollason) when she solves the mystery of his past. Jen also enrols at the clinic, hoping that a therapist can help her find her power.
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EMMERDALE, ITV1, 7.30pm
The police arrive at Tug Ghyll with a search warrant. Tracy remains adamant that it's pointless, but is gobsmacked when the police reveal Nate's phone was found in Frankie's playhouse. Tracy can barely control her fear as the officers lead her out to question her at the station. Tracy later spots Cain and wastes no time in making it clear she still suspects him of Nate's murder. Battle lines are drawn. Vinny is horrified to realise he's forgotten his and Gabby's anniversary.
EASTENDERS, BBC1, 7.30pm
Kat is at a loss as Jean encourages her to talk to Alfie. Patrick meanwhile gives Alfie the same advice. The couple finally have a frank conversation about their issues. But when Kat mentions the video she found, Alfie is confused. Yolande opens up to Denise about the state of her relationship with Patrick. Felix tells Elaine that he saw George and Cindy together looking cosy. Drew gives Elaine a pep talk, after which she makes a shocking decision.
CORONATION STREET, ITV1, 8pm
On the morning of Craig's memorial, Sarah is concerned to discover that Kit has already left for the day - especially as he's making a speech. Lou continues to wind up Maria in the salon who orders her to hold the fort while she attends the memorial, but will she be welcomed? Theo assures Todd that he's only moved out for the sake of his kids and their relationship is far from over. Sally and Tim discuss their training session with the fostering agency.