The man who fell from an Eleventh night bonfire in Newtownards is understood to be having surgery for his injuries this afternoon.
Footage of the incident shows him falling from the pyre along with a pallet as he climbed down after lighting it.
The “tragic accident” happened around 10pm in the Portaferry Road area of the town.
Read more: One person taken to hospital after 'falling from bonfire' in Newtownards
Emergency services have been praised for their quick reactions following his fall “from quite a height”.
An eye witness told us: “Within one minute around a dozen police officers and firemen ran to his side together with an off duty nurse.
“We were very concerned for everyone’s safety as the flames were already start to come out the sides of the pyre.
“After a few minutes he was moved over to the safety of the fire station across the road where he was looked after until the ambulance arrived.
“It was a very traumatising sight to see him fall and the panic that ensued amongst the crowd but as usual the emergency services had everything under control.
“He was initially blue in the face and rasping but then suddenly came round and started breathing better.
“Hopefully they saved his life.”
DUP Councillor, Naomi Armstrong-Cotter, told us: “Thanks to the nurse and all of those who stepped in and stepped up.
“It’s lovely how the local community comes together at times like this - people from all walks.”
The man is understood to have suffered breaks to his left leg, pelvis, ribs and a potential collapsed lung.
A number of sources say he was carried on a stretcher to Newtownards Fire Station, where he was treated until an ambulance arrived to take him to Belfast Royal Victoria Hospital.
Independent councillor, Steven Irvine, said it was a “tragic accident” that left him with some serious injuries.
He added: “As far as I know he broke his left ankle, his left hip, ribs and had a collapsed lung - but he’s going to alright.
“I think he’s going to surgery this afternoon and so today they will know better by teatime.”
Cllr Irvine also praised the quick actions of the community police and fire service, saying: “I cannot commend them enough for their work.
“It was a tragic accident - it seemed to be when he was climbing down the pallets gave way.”
Police, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the Fire Service were all at the scene.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police responded to a report of an incident at a bonfire in the Portaferry Road area of Newtownards July 11. One person has been taken to hospital.”
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