A man in his 40s died after falling from a bonfire in Belfast on Saturday morning, according to reports. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. in the Braniel estate in the east of the city.
The man, identified online as Warren 'AKA' Lyttle, was taken to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries later that afternoon. His daughter posted a tribute on social media, expressing her grief.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed they received a report of the man's death in hospital following a fall at the bonfire site. Police are investigating the circumstances, and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland has been notified.
The Braniel Bonfire Committee, Braniel Loyal Flute Band, and Braniel Community Group released a joint statement calling the incident a "tragic accident." They extended their condolences to Mr. Lyttle's family and friends and stated the bonfire would proceed as planned on Saturday night, with a moment of silence to be observed in his memory.
Eleventh Night bonfires are traditionally lit in the evenings leading up to the Orange Order's July 12 parades across Northern Ireland, which commemorate the Battle of the Boyne. While most bonfires occur without incident, some have drawn controversy due to the placement of flags, effigies, or election posters on the structures.
