Police say it is understood the man, aged in his 30s, was helping to put out the fire when the accident happened on the Antiville estate in Larne, Co Antrim, on Saturday night. Police and an ambulance rushed to the scene after the fatal incident, which happened shortly after 9.30pm and he was pronounced dead. The bonfire was built from stacked wooden pallets and is one of many built in loyalist areas across Northern Ireland ahead of traditional Eleventh Night celebrations. Bonfires are lit to usher in the main date in the Protestant faithful’s parade season – the Twelfth of July. Construction of the Antiville fire was nearing completion when the incident occurred. District MP Sammy Wilson, who attended the scene on Saturday night, said the community was shocked. “My thoughts and sympathies are with this man’s family,” the DUP MP said. “It’s a real tragedy at a special time of year for people in the faith community. “The family is well known in the area and I’m sure this will be particularly felt in the community.” Mr Wilson said he understood the fire would now be removed. Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward. Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Inspector Adrian Bryan said: “Our thoughts are very much with his family at this time.” Craigyhill Estate’s record bid continues The fatal crash in Antiville comes as Larne hit the headlines for another fire in the town. Bonfire builders on the nearby Craigyhill estate are trying to break a world record for the tallest bonfire, which currently stands at 198ft (60.4m). Builders said they would continue the record bid in a tribute to the man who died. The twelfth commemoration in Northern Ireland marks the victory of Protestant King William of Orange over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne, north of Dublin, in 1690 – securing a Protestant line of succession to the British crown.
