Man killed after fall from 12th of July bonfire in Belfast

The incident occurred Friday night in the east of the city.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service were called to the Braniel Estate in the east of the city last night around 10.15pm.

An NIAS spokesperson said: "NIAS despatched 1 emergency crew to the incident.

"Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital."

In a statement, the PSNI said it received a report at 4.40pm yesterday, July 11, that the man, aged in his 40s, had died in hospital following the incident.

"Police are investigating the circumstances of what happened, and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has been informed."

The builders of the bonfire, as well as the local flute band and a community group, released a statement on social media, saying the man had died after an 'accident' at the site.

The groups said they had spoken with the man's family and, following those discussions, would go ahead with plans to light the bonfire later this evening.

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

They also called on those attending to leave the site quietly and respectfully after the bonfire was lit.

Image: Rolling News