Woman Killed by Bull During Traditional Festival in Albacete, Spain
A woman from Catalonia was killed after being gored by a bull during a traditional running of the bulls event in the Spanish town of Ayna, Albacete, after standing outside safety barriers.
Fatal Incident in Albacete Province
A tragic incident occurred on Saturday morning in the small town of Ayna, located in the Albacete province of Spain, during the local festivities honoring Nuestra Señora Santa María de lo Alto. A woman visiting from Catalonia with her family was killed after being gored by a bull during the first running of the bulls event of the day.
The incident took place in an area known as Las Cuevas. According to Ayna Mayor Juan Ángel Martínez, the woman was standing outside the safety barriers erected along the route and remained near them as the bulls approached.
Video Captures the Tragic Moments
Footage published by local media captured the seconds leading up to the fatal impact. The woman is seen standing on the road near the barrier as the herd approaches, while people behind the barricade urge her to enter the protected area. As the bulls drew close, she began to run. However, instead of moving in the same direction as the herd, she ran directly toward them, entering their path. One of the bulls veered in her direction, caught up with her near a roadside wall, and gored her.
Emergency Response and Event Cancellation
The regional emergency center received the report at 10:55 AM. Medical personnel and the Civil Guard, who were already stationed at the event, provided immediate first aid. A medical helicopter was dispatched to evacuate her to the hospital, but her injuries were too severe, and she passed away during transit.
Following the tragedy, the municipality of Ayna announced the cancellation of all events scheduled for the remainder of Saturday as a sign of mourning. The municipality expressed its condolences to the family and announced that the festivities would resume on Sunday and continue as planned until September 8.
Ayna is a small town in the Sierra del Segura region with a population of fewer than 600 residents. The running of the bulls is a traditional and central part of the local patron saint celebrations.
