Two people were killed and 11 spectators were injured after bulls were released onto the streets at the annual 'Huamantlada' Running of the Bulls festival in Mexico on Saturday. Emergency services, including an air ambulance, rushed to the scene as onlookers were flung into the air during the chaos.
Fatalities in Huamantla
Juan Manuel Filomeno Herrera, 29, was rushed to hospital by air ambulance after suffering serious injuries to his head and chest after being rammed. He later died of his injuries. Luis Xolocotzi Ramirez, 57, died of head and chest injuries when he was gored by a bull. This marks the first deaths at the festival in eight years.
Chaos on the streets
The horror unfolded in Huamantla, east of Mexico City, as adrenaline seekers tried to run and escape from the animals. Within 90 seconds of the bulls being released, the first of the 11 injured was hurt. Herrera tripped and was hurled around by the bull, and despite onlookers trying to save him as blood flowed from his body, he died of his injuries.
Injuries and criticism
There were 21 bulls released onto the streets as spectators tried to dodge the wild animals. One woman was thrown into the air and hit in the face by a bull, tossed against the festival stands with visible injuries before scrambling to get away. A further 11 people were taken to hospital for treatment but survived, including a 24-year-old American woman from Texas.
The festival has been held in the city since 1953 and highlights the rich history and long-running tradition of bullfighting. It is a Mexican edition of a Spanish festival, a tradition dating back to the 13th century and reportedly the world's largest open road bullfighting event. Following the deaths, many people have strongly criticised the event's dangerous traditions. Bruno Gonzalez wrote on Facebook: "At what point does tradition become thoughtlessness, violence and negligence? And when it becomes that, is it worth perpetuating it over time? May he rest in peace." Another person said: "People's lives can change in a second. This young woman just proved it. A stupid outburst and she won't see herself in the mirror the same way anymore. When are they going to ban this barbarity?" This tragic incident follows several injuries at this year's Pamplona's San Fermín festival's running of the bulls event.
