Bonfire Tragedy Remembrance
East Belfast Man Dies in Tragic Bonfire Fall; Community Plans Silent Vigil
Key Points
The Braniel Eleventh Night bonfire is scheduled to be lit at 9pm on Saturday 11 July, after discussions with Warren's family, with a minute of silence observed before lighting.
Warren 'AKA' Lyttle died after falling from the Braniel bonfire on Friday night; reports indicate he died around 1am.
Dundela Social Club described Warren as a familiar face around the club and said he will be sadly missed by many.
Organisers stated that the bonfire would proceed as planned at Warren's family request, with the community asked to observe a minute of silence and disperse quietly afterwards.
A man has died after falling from the Braniel Eleventh Night bonfire in east Belfast on Friday night. Warren 'AKA' Lyttle, aged in his 40s, fell from the bonfire pyre in the Braniel estate and died around 1am, according to Border Telegraph.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is investigating the circumstances of the accident. The tragedy sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting an outpouring of tributes from friends, family, and local organisations.
Bonfire to Proceed at Family's Request
Despite the tragedy, the Braniel Eleventh Night bonfire will go ahead as planned. Organisers said the decision was made after discussions with Warren's family. The bonfire is scheduled to be lit at 9pm on Saturday, 11 July, Barrhead News reported.
Before the lighting, a minute of silence will be observed in Warren's memory. Organisers asked attendees to disperse quietly afterwards and to show "dignity, compassion, and respect" for Warren's family and friends.
Community Mourns a Beloved Local Figure
Tributes poured in from across the Braniel community. The Braniel Bonfire Committee, Braniel Loyal Flute Band, and Braniel Community Group all described Warren as a familiar and beloved presence, according to Border Telegraph.
Dundela Social Club also paid tribute, saying Warren was "a familiar face" around the club who "will be sadly missed by many." The condolences came from multiple local outlets and social media, showing the wide reach of Warren's ties to east Belfast.
PSNI Investigates the Fatal Fall
The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed the death after Warren fell from the bonfire pyre. The fall happened at the Braniel estate site ahead of Ulster's traditional Eleventh Night celebrations, according to KMFM.
Warren was taken to hospital following the fall but did not survive. No further details about the exact cause of the fall have been released as the investigation continues, Herald Scotland reported.
What Is the Eleventh Night Bonfire Tradition?
The Eleventh Night is a key event in the Ulster Protestant calendar. Bonfires are lit on the night of 11 July to mark the start of the Twelfth of July celebrations, which commemorate the 1690 Battle of the Boyne. The Braniel bonfire is one of many held across Northern Ireland each year.
The tradition draws large crowds to bonfire sites. Bonfires are often built weeks in advance and can reach significant heights, raising safety concerns that have led to calls for better regulation in recent years.
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