The day the bull fought back: 40 people injured as enraged beast leaps into Spanish crowd

The day the bull fought back: 40 people injured as enraged beast leaps into Spanish crowd - This is the terrifying moment an enraged bull leapt into the stands at a bullring and went on the rampage.

At least 40 people were injured when the 1,100lb animal scaled the perimeter fence and tore through the crowd in Tafalla, Spain, sending spectators fleeing for their lives.

Among the injured was a ten-year-old boy, who was taken to hospital with serious stomach wounds. One man was gored in the back.

See video below

Panic at the bullring: Terrified onlookers flee for the lives  after a bull leapt over a barrier and ran wild among spectators in  Tafalla, Navarra, northern Spain

Panic at the bullring: Terrified onlookers flee for their lives after a bull leapt over a barrier and ran wild among spectators in Tafalla, Navarra, northern Spain

bull rampage

Out of control: The moment the bull headed straight for the crowd

Bloodied: The bull tears through the fencing - inches away from  the terrified crowd

So close: The enraged beast tears through the fencing - inches away from the terrified onlookers

Terror: People begin to scatter as the bull makes contact. At  least 40 people were injured during the rampage, among them a  ten-year-old boy with stomach wounds

Terror: People begin to scatter as the bull makes contact. At least 40 people were injured during the rampage, among them a ten-year-old boy with stomach wounds


The incident happened during an event attended by about 3,500 spectators, in which contestants known as recortadores try to get a bull to charge at them so they can dodge it.

But the bull jumped out of the ring, clearing two barriers before landing in the stands and lurching through the screaming crowd, charging at everything it could.

At one point it seemed to be making a particular effort to reach a man wearing a red England football shirt - although, despite the phrase 'like a red rag to a bull', the animals are actually colour blind.

* Do you know the man in the England shirt taking evasive action? Call the Mail Foreign Desk on 0207 938 6040

One brave spectator even grabbed the bull by the tail in an attempt to slow it down. The animal had already tried to jump into the stands twice.

After damaging a horn, it was about to be returned to the corral and replaced with another bull when it tried a third time and succeeded.



bull rampage

Too close for comfort: The creature charges, leaving people with little room for escape

bull rampage

Fear: A man prepares to shield a young child from the advancing bull, blood visible on its horns (above and below)

bull rampage

Brave: A man grabs the bull's tail in a vain attempt to control  it

Brave: A man grabs the bull's tail in a vain attempt to control it

Endgame: The bull was caught and later lifted out of the ring with  a crane and killed

Distraction tactics A cape is thrown at the beast in an effort to distract it. The bull was caught and later lifted out of the ring with a crane and killed


The panic on Wednesday lasted for several minutes before handlers managed to rope the bull and bring it under control. It was later killed.

Most of the injuries were minor and were treated by medical staff on site, but five victims were taken to hospital in the regional capital of Pamplona, best known for its annual San Fermin running of the bulls festival. Three were still being treated last night.

Among the walking wounded was Inaki Zunzarren, who was badly bruised. He said: 'The bull caught me and hurled me against the concrete seating.'

The incident comes at a time when Spain is split over whether bullfighting should be outlawed.

Last month Catalonia became the first major Spanish region to ban it after a heated debate that pitted animal rights against traditional culture. ( dailymail.co.uk )








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