A British pensioner was gored during the final bull run of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, Spain, becoming one of the oldest victims of the event. The 74-year-old man from Halesowen sustained injuries to his right hand, left eyebrow, and left elbow and was among ten individuals taken to the hospital following the bull run. This incident marked the second injury to a British participant during this year’s festival. Earlier, another tourist, 24-year-old William Mitchinson, suffered an ankle injury while trying to escape a charging bull. The bull run, which lasted 2 minutes and 25 seconds, is part of the traditional ‘encierros’ that occur each morning of the festival, which began on July 10 and will conclude with a closing ceremony on July 14.
Why It Matters
The San Fermin festival, which includes the bull runs, has a long history dating back to the 13th century and has gained international fame, particularly after being featured in Ernest Hemingway’s 1926 novel “The Sun Also Rises.” Over the years, the festival has seen significant injuries and fatalities, with 16 confirmed deaths recorded since 1910, the last occurring in 2009. The event attracts thousands of participants and tourists annually, resulting in numerous injuries, particularly among international visitors. Safety measures continue to be a topic of discussion as the festival remains a controversial yet iconic celebration in Spanish culture.
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