Emergency services responded to a 999 call at around 9.30pm on Saturday following the incident at Antiville in Co Antrim. The man was in his 30s. Police said he was helping build the fire at the time. They are investigating and have appealed for information. The bonfire, built from stacked wooden pallets, is over 50 feet tall. It is to be dismantled. Ben Preston, minister at Craigyhill Presbyterian Church, which is close to the fire, was at the scene. “As a church, our deepest condolences go out to the family and community of Antiville and Craigyhill,” he wrote on Facebook. “Thank you to the Ambulance Service, the PSNI and the Fire & Rescue Service for their work tonight. “Let’s remember Psalm 23 “Even 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, they comfort me.’ He said flowers can be left on the church fence. “You are welcome to join us for worship at 11am. and in the afternoon we will open a drop-in for the community to come to chat or pray or just have a cup of tea. We’ll be here for you tomorrow [Sunday].” 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.” The fire at Antiville. Credit: PA There was an outpouring of grief on social media. Fire crews across NI have offered their condolences. The nearby Craigyhill fire brigade said it will carry 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 beat the fire when this tragic accident happened. Our thoughts are very much with his family at this time.” He continued: “Our investigation has begun and we are appealing for witnesses, especially those who were in the area last night around 10.15pm, to come forward and contact us on 101 quoting 1866 09/07/22. “Alternatively, you can make a report online using the non-emergency report form via can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/” Bonfires are built across Northern Ireland before the annual celebration of the Twelfth and are all lit mainly on 11 July.
