23 injured in Pamplona as bull run ends in a stampede by the revelers

PAMPLONA, Spain — The penultimate bull run of Spain’s San Fermin festival left at least 23 people injured Saturday, when thrill-seekers fleeing the beasts were crushed at the narrow entrance to the bullring, officials said. An American citizen from Ohio was one of two runners gored.

As the huge animals thundered into the entrance of the tunnel, they were blocked by a mound of dozens of people who had fallen and were piled on top of one other.

One bull that had fallen before the entrance got up and charged into the clogged passageway. Two steers jumped over the pile of people as they began to get up and flee.

“I felt anguish and helplessness for the people trapped there, not knowing how to get out,” said Jesus Lecumberri, 20, a student with several years’ experience running at Pamplona and other bull-running festivals.

Lecumberri said he had charged in to the entrance alongside the first bull, but saw the pileup and quickly dived into a ground-level hatch built into the passage specifically to provide an escape route from situations like this.

Who knew... there are RULES to the running

What is not allowed in the bull run
•People under 18 years of age, who must not run or participate.
•Crossing police barriers placed to ensure that the run goes off smoothly.
•Standing in areas and places along the route that have been expressly prohibited by the municipal police force.
•Before the bulls are released, waiting in corners, blind spots, doorways or in entrances to other establishments located along the run.
•Leaving doors of shops or entrances to apartments open along the route. The responsibility for ensuring these doors are closed lies with the owners or tenants of the properties.
•Being in the bull run while drunk, under the effects of drugs or in any other improper manner.
•Carrying objects that are unsuitable for the run to take place correctly.
•Wearing inappropriate clothes or footwear for the run.
•Inciting the bulls or attracting their attention in any manner, and for whatever reason, along the route of the run or in the bullring.
•Running backwards towards the bulls or running behind them.
•Holding, harassing or maltreating the bulls and stopping them from moving or being led to the pens in the bullring.
•Stopping along the run and staying on the fence, barriers or in doorways in such a way that the run or the safety of other runners is jeopardised.
•Taking photographs inside the run, or from the fences or barriers without due authorisation.
•Carrying objects that are unsuitable for the good order and security of the bull run.
•Installing elements that invade horizontal, vertical or aerial space along the bull run, unless expressly authorised by the Mayor”s Office.
•Any other action that could hamper the bull run taking place normally.

This is a great old tradition and I would hope they continue it forever.

Why? Do you like to see people mauled by bulls? Even if they are stupid people?

The Romans used to throw people to the lions too but I don't think that was a great tradition that needed to be continued forever.

"This is a great old tradition and I would hope they continue it forever."

I lived in Spain for 3 years and always thought what a mindless event. It's a dumb-ass macho thing. I always laughed when they got trounced or gored. Stupid is as stupid does. Go get some tapas and vino, instead. Oh, and the Spanish really don't need a festival for every Saint every other week. They would clog the streets and all commerce would shut down. But then they're doing so well economically.

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