A man in his 40s has tragically died after sustaining injuries from a fall at an Eleventh Night bonfire in east Belfast. The incident occurred on Friday night, 10 July 2026, in the Braniel housing estate. He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital but sadly passed away on Saturday afternoon, 11 July 2026. The man has been identified locally as Warren Lyttle.
Three local groups involved in the Braniel Eleventh Night commemorations – the Braniel Bonfire Committee, Braniel Loyal Flute Band, and Braniel Community Group – issued a joint statement expressing their profound sadness. They described the death as a "tragic accident" and extended their deepest sympathies to Mr Lyttle's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. The groups asked the community to keep his loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.
Despite the tragedy, the bonfire in Braniel proceeded as planned on Saturday night. Organisers confirmed that, following discussions with Mr Lyttle's family, they decided to honour the family's wish for the event to go ahead. A minute's silence was observed in Mr Lyttle's memory before the bonfire was lit. The organisers also requested that attendees disperse quietly and respectfully after the lighting of the bonfire as a mark of respect.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fall. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is conducting enquiries, and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has been informed of the incident. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed they transported a man to hospital following an incident at Farmhurst Green, Belfast.
Eleventh Night bonfires are a long-standing tradition in some unionist areas across Northern Ireland, lit annually on 11 July to usher in the Twelfth of July. The Twelfth commemorates the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, when the Protestant King William III defeated the Catholic King James II. These events are a significant part of the annual parading season, which culminates on 12 July.