Man dies after falling from Eleventh Night bonfire in east Belfast | Belfast
A man in his 40s died after falling from an Eleventh Night bonfire in Belfast, police said.
The incident took place on the Braniel property in the east of the city on Friday night.
In the statement made on social media, the man’s name was stated as Warren Lyttle. The man was taken to hospital on Friday and died on Saturday due to his injuries.
A statement from the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: “At 16.40 on Saturday 11 July, police received a report that a man in his 40s had died in hospital after falling at a bonfire site in east Belfast.
“Police are investigating the circumstances of what happened and the Northern Ireland Health and Safety Executive has been notified.”
A statement from the Braniel Bonfire Committee, Braniel Loyal Flute Band and Braniel Community Group said: “Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with Warren’s family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time.
“As a community, we are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and ask that everyone pray for their loved ones in the days and weeks ahead.”
The statement stated that after discussions with Lyttle’s family, the fire would be lit on Saturday night as planned.
It said: “Before the bonfire is lit, we respectfully ask that everyone in attendance join us in observing a moment of silence in Warren’s memory.”
A series of traditional Eleventh Night bonfires were lit across Northern Ireland late on Friday, and bonfires were also lit on Saturday and Sunday evenings.
The bonfires were lit ahead of parades in Northern Ireland on Monday commemorating the Order of Orange’s 12 July celebration of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, when the Protestant King William of Orange defeated the Catholic King James.
While most bonfires passed without incident, some became the focus of controversy because flags, statues and election posters were placed on the structures before being ignited.
There was widespread condemnation on Thursday after a bonfire containing a replica mosque was lit in Moygashel, County Tyrone, before police removed the display. A man appeared in court Friday on charges of inciting hatred.
