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

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By Mail Foreign Service

Out of control: The bull leaps over the barrier towards a crowd of spectators in Tafalla, Navarra, northern Spain


This is the terrifying moment an enraged bull leapt into the stands at a bullring and went on the rampage in northern Spain.

At least 40 people were injured when the bull scaled the perimeter fence and tore through the crowd in Tafalla, in the state of Navarra, sending spectators fleeing for their lives.

Among the injured were a ten-year-old boy who is hospitalised with serious stomach wounds.


High jump: The athletic bull then tackles the wall separating it from the crowd


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


Chaotic scenes: The enraged bull clambers up the stands as the crowd, including children, flee


Also during the rampage, a man was gored in the back.

The incident happened yesterday during a contest of recortadores, in which participants attempt to dodge the bull.

Spectators and officials tied a rope around the bull to bring it under control.
But Spanish media reported that the animal was later removed from the arena with a crane and killed.


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


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


Distraction tactics A cape is thrown at the beast in an attempt to distract it


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


Most of the injuries were minor and were treated by medical staff on site, but five victims were taken to hospital.

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 a pillar of traditional culture.

The ban will take effect from 2010 in the north-eastern coastal region whose capital is Barcelona.

source: dailymail
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