Eleven participants were injured after being gored and trampled by bulls during the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, according to reports.
The annual festival attracts thousands of visitors who gather to witness the famous ‘encierro’, or bull-running event, where participants race alongside bulls through an 800-metre route.
Among those injured was a 24-year-old British tourist, William Mitchinson, who was rushed to hospital after falling and being stepped on by the bulls during the run.
Mitchinson suffered an ankle injury while attempting to move away from the path of the animals. He was later discharged from the University Hospital of Navarra after escaping serious injuries.
Speaking after leaving the hospital, Mitchinson said he decided to take part after seeing videos of the festival on social media and described it as his first visit to Pamplona.
“I saw the festival on social media and it looked like a lot of fun. I ran until the bulls trampled me,” he said.
Meanwhile, a 30-year-old Spanish participant was reported to be in critical condition after being gored in the face during the event.
Hospital officials said the injured man may be transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) for further monitoring.
The San Fermin festival, one of Spain’s most internationally recognised events, continues to draw large crowds despite the risks associated with the traditional bull-running activity.
