World record bonfire bid dedicated to man killed in fall from pyre
Community in shock after father-of-two John plunges to his death
BONFIRE builders close to where John Steele lost his life are to dedicate a world record bid to his memory.
The pyre at Craigyhill in Larne, Co Antrim, is hoped by organisers to reach new heights in the coming hours.
Last year it made international news for the huge bonfire which ended up being the largest ever built in Northern Ireland at 286 pallets high – beating the previous record of 233.
This year they are planning to go even bigger with their pyre as they aim to break the world record by building one that is over 198ft tall.
But yesterday, after the death of bonfire builder John Steele at the Antiville pyre in Larne, Craigyhill builders said they will dedicate their record bid to the window cleaner.
In a Facebook post, they said: “It is with deepest sympathy the tragedy that happened tonite to a fellow bonfire builder in the Antiville estate in Larne.
“It is with his family wishes that the Craigyhill bonfire carries on and beats the world record in his memory. Our thoughts and prayers are with his immediate family circle.”
Last night the Antiville bonfire was being dismantled following the father-of-two’s death.
The incident happened in the estate on Saturday night. The man who died has been named locally as John Steele, who was from the area.
Police and ambulance personnel attended the scene after the fatal incident, which happened just after 9.30pm. The bonfire, constructed from stacked wooden pallets, was more than 50ft tall.
It is one of around 250 being built in loyalist areas ahead of the traditional Eleventh Night celebrations.
Mr Steele, who was believed to be aged in his mid-30s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
MP for the area Sammy Wilson, who attended the scene on Saturday night, said the community is in shock.
The DUP politician added: “My thoughts and sympathy are with this man’s family. It is a real tragedy at what is a special time of year for people in the loyalist community.
“The family are well-known in the area and I am sure this will be greatly felt within the community.”
Heavy machinery moved in earlier in the day to dismantle the pyre following consultation between the local community and Mid and East Antrim Council.
An MEA source told the Mirror that “following last night’s tragedy in Larne, the community has requested that council assist with the removal of bonfire material from the site today”. Mayor of Mid and East Antrim
Community is hurting and my prayers are with everyone
NOEL WILLIAMS YESTERDAY
council Noel Williams extended his condolences following the death.
He said: “The loss of a young man’s life in an accident at a bonfire site in Larne is shocking and my thoughts are with his heartbroken loved ones.
“The community is hurting and my prayers are with everybody impacted by this awful tragedy.”
Stormont Justice Minister and Alliance Party leader Naomi Long tweeted: “Heartbreaking news that a young man has lost his life in a fall from a bonfire.
“Thinking of his family, friends and the wider community as they come to terms with this tragic loss of life.
“I hope people will give them space to grieve privately at such a difficult time.” Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
PSNI Inspector Adrian Bryan said: “We understand that the man was assisting in the building of the bonfire when this tragic accident occurred. Our thoughts are very much with his family at this time.”
SADDENED
The Antiville bonfire builders issued a statement on social media.
It read: “This is a post none of us has ever wanted to write. Last night one of our very own had a tragic accident at the bonfire and unfortunately passed away. We are obviously deeply
saddened by this loss of a young life. John was a true Antivillian through and through born and bred, a dark cloud has certainly risen over the Antiville estate today.
“Our deepest and sincere condolences are sent from our hearts to his entire family circle at this heartbreaking time. Please give the family their time and privacy at this obviously hard time for them. Gone But Not Forgotten.”
John Stewart, Ulster Unionist MLA for East Antrim, said: “This is absolutely tragic news and my thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the man’s family, friends and the entire community at this really difficult time. This was a terrible accident and the local community will rally round to give the family as much support as possible.”
Craigyhill Presbyterian Church Minister Ben Preston said: “Just home from the Antiville bonfire in front of the church, the scene of a tragic death this evening. As a church, our deepest condolences are with the family and community of Antiville and Craigyhill.
“Our thanks go to the Ambulance Service, PSNI, and Fire & Rescue Service for their work tonight.”