Man dies after falling from Twelfth bonfire in Belfast

A man in his 40s has died following a fall from a bonfire in east Belfast on the Eleventh Night. The incident occurred in the Braniel Estate, where emergency services were called to the scene late on July 11.

Paramedics assessed the man and provided initial treatment before transporting him to the Royal Victoria Hospital. Police confirmed on July 12 that the man had died in hospital as a result of his injuries. The circumstances of the fall are now under investigation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has been informed.

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As a community, we are heartbroken by this tragic loss and ask that everyone keeps his loved ones in their prayers in the days and weeks ahead.

Bonfire organizers, including a local flute band and community group, described the event as a tragic accident. They stated they had engaged with the deceased man's family and decided to proceed with lighting the bonfire as planned later that evening. The groups expressed heartbreak over the loss and asked the community to keep the man's loved ones in their prayers. They requested attendees observe a minute of silence before the lighting and disperse quietly afterward.

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We respectfully ask everyone attending to join us in observing a minute of silence...before the bonfire is lit.