Tragedy at Spain’s bull event as young woman dies after being charged by bull

A 25-year-old woman from Bilbao has died after suffering serious head injuries when a bull entered an area occupied by spectators during the traditional Toro con Soga event in Lodosa, Navarra.

The woman, who was a regular attendee of the event and a member of the Peña Lodosa por el Toro, had been in hospital since the incident on Sunday September 27. She died at the Hospital Universitario de Navarra in Pamplona on Wednesday September 30.

Bull broke into spectator area

The incident happened on Sunday, September 27, during one of Lodosa’s traditional bull-running events.

According to reports, the animal moved into the space between the temporary barriers and the stands, where a number of spectators were gathered. The young woman attempted to take shelter beneath a staircase but was reached by the bull and suffered a severe blow to the head.

She was initially treated at the health centre in Lodosa before being transferred by ambulance to the Hospital Universitario de Navarra.

She suffered a serious traumatic brain injury and remained in intensive care for several days before her death was confirmed.

Another female spectator was also seriously injured during the incident and remained in hospital, according to reports.

Two days of mourning declared

News of the woman’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief in Lodosa, where she had strong links despite being from Bilbao.

The Ayuntamiento de Lodosa said the town was experiencing a “sad and difficult day” and expressed its condolences and solidarity to the woman’s family, friends and loved ones.

The council has also declared two days of official mourning. Flags will fly at half-mast as a mark of respect.

The woman was a member of the Peña Lodosa por el Toro, an association closely connected with the town’s bull-running tradition.

What is Toro con Soga?

Toro con Soga is a traditional event in which a bull is released onto the streets of Lodosa with a rope attached to its horns. A group of handlers use the rope to guide and control the animal as it moves through the town.

The events take place over several weekends, beginning around the town’s September fiestas and continuing until October 12, the Día del Pilar.

The death has brought renewed attention to the risks faced by both participants and spectators at traditional bull events.

For the community in Lodosa, however, the immediate focus has been on the young woman’s family and friends following her death after several days in hospital.

The Ayuntamiento has called on residents to support and accompany her loved ones during what it described as an extremely painful time.