A bullfighting event in Murcia, Spain, took a terrifying turn when a 1,100-pound bull, named Malacara, leaped over a safety barrier and landed in the walkway between the arena and the spectator seating. The incident occurred during the final bullfight of Murcia’s Bullfighting Fair on Sunday.
Video footage shows the bull charging towards the matador before unexpectedly clearing the fence. It then ran loose in the secured area surrounding the ring, coming dangerously close to women seated in the front row. "There were women in those seats and they were close to being gored by the bull’s horns," witness Juan Perez told The Sun. "The animal was out of control. It was extremely lucky that nobody was injured."
Malacara, from the La Espartales bullfighting ranch, had jumped into the exit alleyway twice before being subdued by a matador using a killing lance, according to an official cited by 20minutos. The official stated this action was necessary to end the bull's life.
Bullfighting is a traditional Spanish practice, but it faces criticism and opposition from animal welfare advocates who deem it cruel. Matadors and spectators have been injured in bullfighting events. In July, a prominent matador was gored in the rectum during a performance in Seville. Last year, a spectator suffered a fractured rib when a bull entered the stands during an event in Cadreita.