This is the horrific moment a bull gores a man to death at a popular festival in Spain. The 57-year-old was charged at by the beast during the annual Toro del Gayumbo event in Ubrique, Cadiz, on Sunday (September 7).
Footage posted on social media shows the man desperately trying to climb to safety along with two others as the bull bears down on them. While two revellers manage to haul themselves up, the victim struggle to clamber up.
When the bull knocks into him it throws the man off balance. The beast then charges at him, forcing him to the ground where he is gored a number of times.
Critically injured, the as yet unidentified man was taken to a nearby health centre. He was confirmed dead at 8pm last night.
Two bulls were released in the streets of Ubrique as part of the annual celebration. The second animal, named Mosquetero (Musketeer), was the one which gored the man, according to The Sun.
Officials in the town on Monday declared a day of mourning and expressed their condolences with the man’s family.
In a statement, town hall officials said: “We would like to express our sincere condolences and solidarity with the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased.
“We would also like to announce that, as a sign of respect, tonight’s fireworks display has been cancelled. In addition, flags on public buildings will fly at half-mast tomorrow as a sign of mourning”.
The officials asked for “understanding, calm and cooperation from all residents and visitors”, adding: “The best way to show support is through prudence and respect.
“Ubrique has always been characterised by its unity in difficult times. Today, more than ever, we must demonstrate this.”
But some locals reacted angrily after what happened. Isabel Carrasco Romero said: “This would have been a preventable death if our council did not promote these kinds of backward events under the guise of tradition.
“My deepest condolences to the family of our deceased neighbour… Until a few years ago, it was never traditional to release a bull down a short slope, something surreal in these times when most citizens want to protect animals.”