Thirteen people were transported to hospitals following the third running of the San Fermín festival, which saw a highly divided herd of Victoriano del Río bulls create a dangerous path for runners. According to the Government of Navarra, the injuries included a goring to the arm of a 29-year-old American resident of Navarra, occurring in the Telefónica section. Medical officials confirmed that while initial reports suggested eleven injuries, the final count reached thirteen, with patients treated at the Hospital Universitario de Navarra and San Martín.
Injuries and Medical Response in the San Fermín Route
The Telefónica stretch proved particularly hazardous, resulting in three injuries: the 29-year-old American with a goring, a 68-year-old Navarra man with a leg injury, and a 34-year-old from Castellón who suffered a blow. In the Mercaderes area, four residents of Navarra were treated for various conditions, including knee trauma, a left knee contusion, a possible shoulder dislocation, and abdominal trauma.
Additional incidents were reported throughout the route: a 25-year-old from Navarra suffered upper extremity trauma in the Callejón, and a 42-year-old from Navarra sustained a shoulder dislocation on the Bajada Javier. In the Espoz y Mina area, a 33-year-old from Seville and a 27-year-old from Castellón were treated for ankle and shoulder injuries, respectively. A final injury, a traumatic brain injury, was recorded in the Plaza de Toros involving a 23-year-old male.
The medical deployment for the festival includes 17 dedicated health stations—approximately one every 50 meters—supported by 16 medicalized ambulances and a workforce of over 200 professionals from organizations including the Red Cross, DYA, and the Servicio Navarro de Salud-Osasunbidea.
Operational Context and Safety Precautions
The current health status of participants from earlier days is stable. Officials confirmed that all individuals injured in the first and second runs have been discharged from the hospital, including a 23-year-old runner from Gipuzkoa who was released Wednesday after sustaining a puncture wound in the second encierro. No other participants from the previous days remain under medical care.
Authorities have issued warnings regarding severe weather conditions in Navarra, which remains under an orange alert for high temperatures. Officials are advising participants to avoid sun exposure during peak hours and maintain hydration with water, noting that alcohol does not provide necessary hydration. The region also faces warnings for rain and storms with high wind gusts, which may complicate conditions for upcoming events.
The high number of injuries in this specific run appears tied to the fragmentation of the bull herd, which increases unpredictability for runners. When a pack splits, it creates “bottleneck” scenarios where participants are more likely to fall or become trapped, as described by runners who experienced pile-ups during the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were injured in the third run?
Thirteen people were transported to hospitals for treatment following the third running of the bulls.
What safety measures are in place for the runners?
The city has deployed 17 health stations along the route, 16 medicalized ambulances, and a coordination team involving the Red Cross, DYA, and the Servicio Navarro de Salud-Osasunbidea.
Are there any weather concerns for the participants?
Yes, Navarra is currently under an orange alert for high heat, with additional warnings for rain, storms, and strong wind gusts.
Do you believe the current medical infrastructure is sufficient to handle the risks posed by the high density of runners in the San Fermín festival?
