Irishman 'seriously injured' in Spanish bull run

An Irishman is in a serious condition in hospital after suffering “traumatic asphyxia” during Spain’s San Fermin bull run, according to Spanish media reports.

The man, who has not been named, is said to be breathing with the aid of a ventilator.

Javier Sesma, a health spokesman for Navarra province, said two of the 21 injured people were gored by bulls and that the others were hurt in the stampede.

Mr Sesma said one runner, a 19-year-old Spaniard from Vitoria city, was seriously injured when his thorax was crushed at the bull ring entrance.

“It is a very grave situation. He’s in a stable condition, but it’s very serious,” Mr Sesma said of the Spaniard.

The Irishman’s condition was described as "serious but less serious than the Spaniard's."

The Department of Foreign Affairs later said that it is liasing with officials in Spain.

[comment] Warning: Viewers may find contents of video disturbing.[/comment]

Participants fleeing the animals were crushed at the narrow entrance to the bull ring, officials said.

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

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.

The blockage ended after attendants managed to let the beasts escape through a side door normally reserved for matadors.

One person was gored in his buttock and another in an armpit during the 928-yard dash through Pamplona’s narrow streets, the official said. Neither injury was serious, said the Navarra government, which organises the annual series of events.

The rest of the injured suffered cuts and bruises.

Mr Sesma said one spectator suffered a heart attack while watching the stampede.

On Friday, the festival drew widespread attention when an American college student and two Spaniards were gored, and videos and photos of the attacks were seen around the world.

The festival in this northern city dates back to the late 16th century and also is known for its all-night street parties.

The runs, eight in all, are the highlight of a nine-day street festival to honor Pamplona’s patron saint, San Fermin.

Dozens of people are injured each year, with gorings often producing the most dramatic injuries.

The last fatal goring happened in 2009.