[Diandaplaipsy]

Jul 8, 2010
2 gored in bull run



Thousands took part in the dash to keep ahead of six fighting bulls and six bell-tinkling steers tasked with keeping the beasts together along the 850-metre course from a holding pen to the northern town's bull ring. -- PHOTO: AFP

PAMPLONA (Spain) - TWO people were gored during the tense and dangerous second running of the bulls at the famed San Fermin fiesta on Thursday, while at least another four people were injured in falls, officials said.

Thousands took part in the dash to keep ahead of six fighting bulls and six bell-tinkling steers tasked with keeping the beasts together along the 850-metre course from a holding pen to the northern town's bull ring.

The run lasted just under four minutes and produced several moments of danger and panic, as several bulls became separated from the pack. One beast stopped just before entering the bullring and paced threateningly while staring at the runners.

TV images showed the first goring with the runner being hit in the chest and hurled to the cobblestone ground like a ragdoll. The young man stayed on the ground seemingly totally dazed. Navarra Hospital's Dr. Fernando Boneta said one man was seriously injured after being gored in the thorax, while a second man was gored in the left leg but was in better condition.

The runners' names and nationalities were not immediately available. During Wednesday's run - the second of eight bull runs held during the nine-day street festival - several people were knocked to the ground and some were trampled by the animals weighing more than 500 kilograms, but there were no gorings. -- AP