A man gored by a bull during the traditional holiday “bullfights,” known as “Toros a la Tica,” is currently under intensive care at the Calderon Guardia hospital in the capital city of Costa Rica.

 

The incident took place during the afternoon run of Sunday, January 4^th, and it was broadcast live by national television network Teletica. The man has been identified as Luis Salas Contreras, an experienced “improvised bullfighter” nicknamed “Saint Martin.” Mr. Contreras was injured by a 450 kg beast named “Bayo,” a crowd favorite raised by Ganaderia Jorge Chinchilla. The bull charged Mr. Contreras with its right horn, catching him on his right shoulder and lifting him off the ground.

 

Mr. Contreras was initially able to escape a second thrashing, but then realized that he could not support himself using his right arm, which had a deep puncture wound and was bleeding profusely. Fellow bull runners shielded Mr. Contreras and crowded the bovine; they were able to push the bull in a different direction as they carried he victim to the Red Cross aid station in the bullring.

 

A traumatology specialist explained to Teletica that Mr. Contreras suffered a pneumothorax, which required emergency decompression and intubation right at the bullring before being evacuated to the hospital in serious condition since the loss of blood was significant.

 

Relatives of Mr. Contreras explained that this was his second serious encounter with a bull.  A couple of years ago, he was thrashed during the runs at Palmares, in the province of Alajuela. On that occasion, Mr. Contreras got upset and slapped the confused bull before limping off the arena.

 

As previously reported by The Costa Rica Star, the holiday bullfights in our country fall somewhere in between the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona and North American rodeos. Ostensibly, these are family-friendly events; however, some animal rights activists claim that they are nothing but cruel spectacles.

 

Mr. Contreras is the sole breadwinner in his household. His family is asking for prayers.