The San Fermín festival in Pamplona saw more drama and danger on its third day, as one man was gored and three others were injured during Tuesday morning’s running of the bulls. The daily event, which draws thousands of participants and spectators, continues to highlight the high-risk nature of this celebrated Spanish tradition.
The goring occurred shortly after 8:00 a.m. along the narrow stretch between Mercaderes and Estafeta streets, known for its sharp turns and unpredictable pile-ups. The injured man, who was reportedly trying to dodge a charging bull after a fall, was struck under the arm by the animal’s horn and quickly pulled to safety by Red Cross volunteers.
Medical teams transported him to Hospital Universitario de Navarra, where he remains in a stable condition. The three other runners sustained minor injuries, mostly from collisions and falls as the bulls thundered through the cobbled route.
Tuesday’s bulls came from the Victoriano del Río ranch, one of the more respected and traditional breeders used in the festival. The six bulls completed the route in just over two minutes and 20 seconds, making it one of the faster runs so far this year.
The San Fermín festival, which runs from 6 to 14 July, features daily bull runs — or encierros — in which brave (and often reckless) runners attempt to stay ahead of the bulls through a course of just under 900 metres. Injuries are common, and each year sees several serious incidents, often involving goring or trampling.
Emergency services have more than 200 medics and support staff on duty each morning, stationed at key junctions and equipped with motorcycles and stretchers for rapid response. Despite these precautions, the combination of adrenaline, alcohol, and crowds frequently leads to unpredictable outcomes.
Authorities continue to urge participants to exercise caution and avoid running under the influence, noting that many injuries occur when runners underestimate the danger or fall in high-density sections of the route.
Animal rights groups have again criticised the event, highlighting the stress and injury caused to the animals, and calling for reforms or an end to the bull runs altogether. However, defenders of the tradition argue it is a key part of Spanish heritage and brings significant economic and cultural value to Pamplona.
With five more bull runs to go, local officials have promised tightened safety enforcement and improved crowd management as the festival continues through the week.
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