MEXICO: One dead, 24 injured during bull run in Mexico
- 00:01:58
- ITN Source
MEXICO: One dead, 24 injured during bull run in Mexico
A 60-year-old man was gored to death and twenty-four were injured-- three severely-- after the running of the bulls in Huamantla, Mexico. Thousands witnessed the adrenaline-rush running of the bulls in Huamantla, in the state of Tlaxcala, located 100 miles from Mexico City on Saturday (August 18). During the "Huamantlada," as local people call it - making reference to attacks during the bull run - one 60 year-old man was gored to death and 24 were seriously injured, three severely. The one-month long "Festival de Huamantla," takes place every year in August, offering bull fights, cultural dances, concerts and more. This year the "Huamantlada," will celebrate its 54th anniversary. Three blasts were shot into the sky which signalled the start of the bull run. A total of 23 bulls weighing 450 kilograms each were released on various streets simultaneously at noon. "The truth is that I was very scared. The adrenaline to the limit. My life flashed through my eyes at that moment," said runner Paco. Some bulls stand bewildered at the beginning of the run and get more aggressive as the time passes. They run in different directions for two hours, to the thrill and screams of the audience. Those brave enough run among the bulls and drink tequila, rum and beer for courage. The others stand behind wooden barriers and platforms. "I'm absolutely stunned, I was very nervous all the time, I had never been before and don't think I'll return," said a spectator Mariana Guzman. Some 11 ambulances and 70 paramedics stood-by to attend to the injured. Those who ran were mainly men, although some women also joined. Participants were mainly locals from the town of Huamantla and surrounding cities including Puebla and Mexico City. In 1953, when Don Raul Gonzalez, a cattle rancher from Tlaxcala visited the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. He was so impressed by the event that he returned to Mexico and obtained the required permission from local authorities to hold a local version, much to the displeasure of the medical services.
ITN Source | August 19, 2007
