Woman dies and another is injured after bull goring at festival in Aýna, Albacete

Fatal goring during the opening run

A 64-year-old woman died on Saturday, 5 September 2026, after sustaining fatal injuries during the opening bull run of the annual patron saint festivities in Aýna, in the province of Albacete. The event began at 10:00 in the morning when the bulls were released from the corral of La Salobre into the town's streets. As the animals moved through the course, the woman was unable to climb onto the protective barriers and wooden fences erected along the street to safeguard onlookers. One of the bulls cornered her against a low wall, goring her multiple times with significant force. The sustained impacts caused critical trauma, resulting in her death at the scene despite immediate efforts by nearby attendees to reach safety.

Emergency deployment and second casualty

The emergency service centre for Castilla-La Mancha, 112, logged the initial emergency call at 10:55, requesting urgent medical assistance along the route of the run. Healthcare personnel, officers from the Guardia Civil, and local safety and prevention teams already assigned to the festival immediately mobilized to secure the perimeter and assist the victims. Regional authorities also dispatched a medicalized helicopter to provide specialized emergency medical care and evacuation capability. In addition to the fatal trauma suffered by the 64-year-old woman, the bull gored a second person during the same morning event. Emergency officials and regional authorities have not released details regarding the identity, age, or medical condition of the second injured individual.

Festival program and local celebrations

The fatal incident took place during the municipal festivities held annually in honor of the town's patron saint, Santa María de lo Alto. Celebrations in Aýna commenced on Thursday, 3 September 2026, bringing local residents and outside visitors together for multi-day community traditions. The municipal schedule for Saturday featured an extensive sequence of taurine activities, beginning with the 10:00 release from the La Salobre corral. Organizers had scheduled a second run directly afterward featuring two young steers from the Valle Lindo livestock ranch. Subsequent events planned for the morning included the release of a cow in the local arena, while the town scheduled a release of fighting cattle in the Plaza Mayor for the afternoon.

Impact on festival attendees

The fatal encounter caused widespread shock and emotional distress among the numerous people who had gathered to observe the run and take part in the festive acts of Aýna. Spectators standing along the barricades witnessed the animal trap the victim against the wall before responders could reach her. Local safety personnel, healthcare teams, and members of the Guardia Civil remained on site to manage the aftermath of the collision and coordinate with emergency air transport. The tragedy occurred on what was scheduled to be a full day of traditional cattle releases across the municipality, drawing attention to the safety measures along the course where the fatal encounter took place.