A man has died after falling from a fire in Larne.
Emergency services responded to a 999 call at around 9.30pm on Saturday following the incident at the Antiville site in the Co Antrim town.
The man was in his 30s. Police said he was helping build the pyre at the time. They are investigating and have requested information.
The fire, built from stacked wooden pallets, is more than 50 feet tall. It is about to be dismantled.
Ben Preston, a minister at Craigyhill Presbyterian Church, which is close to the pyre, was at the scene.
“As a church, our deepest condolences go out to the family and community of Antiville and Craigiehill,” he posted on Facebook.
“Our thanks go to the ambulance service, the PSNI and the fire and rescue service for their work tonight.
“Let’s remember Psalm 23 “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.
He said flowers could be left on the church fence.
“You are welcome to join us for worship at 11am and in the afternoon we will open a stop for the community to come and talk or pray or just have a cup of tea. We will be here for you tomorrow [Sunday].”
MP for the area Sammy Wilson, who was at the scene on Saturday night, said the community was in shock.
“My thoughts and sympathies are with this man’s family,” the DUP MP said.
“This is a real tragedy at what is a special time of year for people in the Loyalist community.
“The family is well known in the area and I’m sure this will be felt strongly in the community.”
Antiville fire. Credit: PA
There was an outpouring of grief on social media.
Bonfire groups across NI have offered their condolences. The close Craigyhill bonfire group said it would live on in the man’s memory.
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson offered his condolences to the man’s family and friends, as well as the community.
Former UUP leader Steve Aiken described the incident as “very sad news” and offered his condolences.
PSNI Inspector Adrian Bryan added: “We understand the man was helping to build the fire when this tragic incident occurred. Our thoughts are very much with his family at this time.” He continued: “Our investigation has begun and we are appealing for witnesses, particularly those who were in the area last night at around 10.15pm to come forward and contact us at 101 citation reference number 1866 09/07/22. “Alternatively, you can make a report online using our non-urgent reporting form, you can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/”
Bonfires are lit all over Northern Ireland before the annual Twelfth Day celebrations and all are lit mainly on July 11th.
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