San Fermin in Spain, 12 injured during bull run, one person in serious condition

Another serious incident was recorded during the traditional San Fermin festival in Pamplona, Spain, after a runner was seriously injured in the face by a bull’s horn.

Another 12 people were also injured in the episode during the fifth bull run, considered one of the best-known and most dangerous activities of the festival.

Six bulls were released into the narrow streets of the city in northern Spain, running among hundreds of participants trying to avoid them. The route lasted approximately two and a half minutes, and during it many people fell onto the cobblestones, while the bulls continued toward the arena, where they were later killed by bullfighters.

The University Hospital of Navarre said that a man suffered serious facial injuries after being struck by a horn, while 12 other people received medical assistance for various injuries.

Footage recorded at the scene shows that at the start of the run, a black bull broke away from the group and charged toward the crowd of runners, striking one of them on the side of the face. So far, authorities have not confirmed whether this was the same person who was seriously injured.

The run held on Saturday was the fifth of eight traditional runs organized during the San Fermin festival, one of the most famous events in Spain.

This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the publication of Ernest Hemingway’s novel “The Sun Also Rises,” the book that made the San Fermin festival known around the world.

Although the most recent fatality during the bull runs was recorded in 2009, injuries from horns and fractures remain common. Every year, along with experienced local residents, many inexperienced tourists also take part in the activity.

Participants traditionally appear dressed in white clothing, accompanied by a red sash and scarf, which are symbols of the festival. Meanwhile, animal rights organizations continue to protest the event every year, considering it a cruel and unjustifiable practice toward animals.