The sixth running of the bulls at San Fermín 2026 left one person gored and eight others injured. La Palmosilla’s bulls charged through dense crowds, causing multiple incidents. Emergency teams responded quickly to the scene.
The sixth encierro of San Fermín 2026 in Pamplona was marked by a surge of runners and a series of dangerous incidents, as the bulls from La Palmosilla completed the course in just two minutes and twenty-three seconds. The event, already known for its intensity, saw the powerful Andalusian bulls maintain a relentless pace, with one cabestro leading the pack and setting a demanding rhythm for both animals and participants.
From the very start at Santo Domingo, the density of runners led to frequent falls, with the crowding evident along every section of the route. As the bulls reached the Ayuntamiento stretch, experienced runners attempted to keep pace, but the sheer speed and force of the animals made for a challenging run. The critical moment came at the Mercaderes curve, where most bulls took the outside, colliding with barriers near the press area, while one was forced inside by a cabestro, adding to the unpredictability.
On Estafeta Street, the herd briefly split, creating rare gaps that allowed for some of the most daring sprints of the morning. However, as the bulls entered the Telefónica section, their speed increased further. One bull charged straight along the right side, knocking several runners to the ground and tossing one participant several meters ahead. Another, a chestnut-colored bull, targeted runners on the left, while one of the two black bulls swept the right side, escalating the risk for those nearby.
Medical teams reported nine injuries during the run. One person suffered a goring and was treated immediately in the bullring’s infirmary, while eight others sustained contusions. The high number of incidents highlights ongoing concerns about crowding and safety during the festival. This follows a similarly tense fifth encierro, where fourteen people were injured in a chaotic run involving José Escolar bulls.
La Palmosilla, a herd with a strong reputation in Pamplona for its performance in the ring, once again demonstrated both speed and unpredictability. The Sunday lineup features young matadors Fortes, Fernando Adrián, and Samuel Navalón, adding further anticipation for the afternoon’s events. The San Fermín festival, held annually in July, draws thousands of locals and tourists to Pamplona, with each encierro closely monitored by emergency services and city officials. Despite the risks, the tradition remains a central part of the city’s cultural identity, with safety measures continually evolving in response to each year’s challenges.
