Repeated goring incident in bullfight events of Pamplona
Every summer, the city of Pamplona comes alive with the roar of thousands of spectators and the thunderous hooves of six fighting bulls during the San Fermin festival. Held annually from July 6 to 14, this Spanish tradition sees participants running alongside the bulls through the narrow, cobblestone streets of the old town, culminating in a bullfight at the bullring.
The festival, which has been celebrated since the late 16th century, attracts a vast number of participants, but it also carries significant risks. Each year, between 50 and 100 injuries are reported during the bull runs, with more broadly over 200 to 300 injuries occurring annually, the majority being minor. Serious injuries, however, are a concern, with 15 deaths recorded since 1910, including one notable fatality in 1995, an American runner who was gored and died from blood loss.
Falls and pile-ups, especially at bottleneck points, are a major hazard. Being stamped on by bulls or runners, collisions with stationary objects or other participants, and goring by the bulls' horns are common causes of injury. To mitigate these risks, the race route is carefully prepared with fences, posts, wedges, and gates. Law enforcement evacuates minors and anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs from the starting area, and participants are prohibited from carrying objects that might obstruct the race.
Despite these precautions, the running of the bulls remains an inherently risky activity. The festival employs multiple ambulances and paramedics on site, with the 2025 event having 16 ambulances ready for emergencies and approximately 2,500 runners daily.
The San Fermin festival is not without controversy, with animal rights organizations such as Peta emphasizing that bull running causes animal suffering. Despite this, the festival continues to be a thrilling but perilous tradition celebrated worldwide.
This year's festival concluded on July 14, with injuries reported throughout the event. On Wednesday, three runners were taken to a hospital with injuries: one had a shoulder bruise and dislocation, another had a facial bruise, and a third had a skull trauma. The day before, another participant was injured during the bull run and taken to a hospital after being struck under the armpit by a sharp horn.
Injuries during the San Fermin festival's bull runs are not uncommon, with participants often requiring hospitalization. The long, sharp horns of the bulls used in the festival can potentially cause fatal injuries. Despite these risks, the festival continues to draw a crowd, offering a unique and adrenaline-pumping experience that few other events can match.
During the San Fermin festival, diverse sports events are not exclusive, as the high-risk tradition of running with bulls also takes place. Though numerous injuries are reported each year, including a tragic fatality in 1995, the allure of this thrilling event persists, drawing a large crowd seeking an unparalleled adrenaline rush.
