Man dies after falling from East Belfast bonfire

A man has died after falling from a bonfire in east Belfast, an incident that has cast a shadow over the traditional Eleventh Night celebrations. The man, named locally as Warren Lyttle, also known as "AKA," was in his 40s. The accident occurred at the bonfire site in the Braniel Estate on the evening of Friday, July 10.

Police confirmed they received a report on Saturday, July 11, that a man had died in hospital following the fall. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it responded to a call at Farmhurst Green at 10:14 p.m. on Friday. After treatment at the scene, the man was transported to the Royal Victoria Hospital. The Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland are investigating the circumstances.

In a joint statement, the Braniel Bonfire Committee, Braniel Loyal Flute Band, and Braniel Community Group expressed heartbreak over the loss. They stated that following discussions with Lyttle's family, the decision was made to proceed with lighting the bonfire as planned on Saturday night, July 11, at 9 p.m. The organizers requested that attendees observe a minute of silence in his memory before the lighting and disperse...