A man has lost his life after being tragically gored by a bull during a traditional Bull-running festival.
The 57-year-old was attacked by the rampaging bull during a festival in a town near Valencia. He had tried to seek refuge in a doorway, but the bull managed to strike him twice through the metal bars, inflicting serious injuries.
First Death of 2024
Despite being rushed to the hospital, the man succumbed to his injuries seven weeks after the incident, the Mirror repports. The bull-running event took place in La Vall d'Uixó, a town in the eastern Spanish province of Castelló.
The victim who was a local resident, was known to be an enthusiastic supporter of the festivities.
This marks the first death of 2024 during the traditional "bous al carrer" event in the Valencian region. Thousands were participating in the festivities honoring Saint Vincent in April when the incident occurred.
Horrified spectators quickly came to the man's aid, carrying him to a local infirmary.
No More Bull-Runs?
The victim was treated at Hospital Universitario y Politécnico de la Fe in Valencia but later got transferred to Hospital General de Castelló, where he later died.
According to the doctors the bull's horn first pierced the man's groin upward and then struck his pelvis. He also suffered facial and brain injuries, internal bleeding, multiple fractures and bruises.
Following the incident, organizers suspended the festival.
Politicians are now calling for increased safety measures during these events to prevent further deaths.
Injuries and Deaths every year
Bull-running festivals in Spain, particularly the famous San Fermín festival in Pamplona, result in injuries and fatalities each year.
On average, one to two people are killed annually across various bull-running events in the country.
These festivals, deeply rooted in Spanish tradition, see thousands of participants and spectators, with numerous injuries occurring due to goring and trampling.
While local and national authorities implement safety measures, the inherent dangers of running with bulls contribute to the annual toll.
