A tragic incident occurred in the small town of Pantoja, Toledo, during a bull-running event on Tuesday morning. One person has died, and three others, including a young girl, were injured after a bull escaped from the enclosure.
The event was part of the town’s annual festivities in honour of Santa Bárbara.
Fatal accident shocks Pantoja
The fatal incident took place at 10.34 am when a bull broke free from the route of the encierro (bull run) and began attacking spectators. The victim, an 80-year-old man, died at the scene. The injured include an 83-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman, both of whom were transported to Toledo’s University Hospital. The young girl sustained minor injuries and did not require hospitalisation.
The bull was shot and killed by the local police after escaping the controlled area. Emergency services, including the Guardia Civil and a medical team, quickly arrived at the scene. The investigation is now being led by the Judicial Police.
Two days of mourning declared
Pantoja’s mayor, Julián Torrejón, has expressed his sorrow over the incident, describing the town as “devastated.” He assured the public that all safety measures had been in place and described the event as a tragic accident. The mayor explained that the injured girl, who is four years old, had been outside the designated bull run area with her grandparents when the bull broke through a barrier.
As a mark of respect, the town has declared two days of mourning, and all festivities have been suspended. The local government will meet with festival organisers to decide on further actions.
Calls for increased safety measures
This latest incident brings the number of fatalities linked to bull-running events in the region to three this year. The Franz Weber Foundation, an animal rights organisation, has criticised the authorities for what they describe as inadequate safety measures. The organisation has called for immediate action from the regional government, including a ban on minors participating in or attending such events. They plan to file a complaint with the Ombudsman, arguing that the safety of vulnerable groups, including children, is not being adequately protected.
Also read: Dead and injured during Valencia bull run