'Safe' alternative to Running of the Bulls ends in brutal injuries
A Spanish town’s pledge for a “safer” alternative to the Running of the Bulls has backfired after two people were seriously injured.
One man has been left in a coma when he was crushed against metal barriers by a 300kg resin ball, which chased runners around the town of Mataelpino, near Madrid on Saturday, according to the Telegraph.
Another man suffered three broken ribs and a concussion.
Video of the man who ended up in a coma shows the ball hurtling towards him at high speed at "boloencierro" or "Running of the Balls".
Cornered, with the metal barriers behind him, the ball knocks him over, crushes him and continues rolling downhill.
He lies on the ground unconscious while concerned bystanders check on him.
According to the Telegraph, he suffered a fractured skill and was placed in an induced coma.
He remains in hospital in a stable condition, according to local reports.
The other man has since been released from hospital.
The village’s mayor Javier Pérez de los Nietos brought in the balls seven years ago.
The decision was a fiscal one at the time, but applauded by animal rights groups including PETA.
But Mr Nietos told Spanish newspaper El Pais, council would be reviewing security measures to ensure people attended the event safely.
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“We don’t want this to become a tragic event, but rather something fun,” he said.
The mayor has suggested bringing in a different material for the barriers, which are traditionally made of steel to protect bystanders from the bulls.
While it is seen as safer than being chased by a bull, the balls can reach a top speed of more than 30km/h down a 700m hill.
About 700 people are said to have attended the adult run, with children running from a rubber ball on Friday.
