Joshua Parfitt
THIS video shows the shocking moment a bull with flaming horns broke loose from its enclosure and charged into a ravine in Sagunto, near Valencia.
The creature had its horns alight as part of the ‘bous embolado’ festival during summer celebrations in Sagunto.
Around 4.30am, it reportedly escaped during a bull-running event while panicked festival goers looked on.
The bull charged a man sitting on a fence above the Palancia river for safety, before tumbling down into the dry riverbed.
A nine-hour rescue effort involved the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA, Policia Local, Policia Nacional, Proteccion Civil, Forest Guards, ambulances and a veterinarian, among other personnel.
A SEPRONA agent shot the bull with a tranquiliser dart from inside a Policia Local car.
The animal was eventually rescued, but not before charging the police car.
The mayor of Sagunto, Darío Moreno, has said: “One person was wounded during the struggle, and was treated immediately without sustaining serious injuries. We wish his speedy recovery.
“We had the presence of a veterinarian throughout the operation.
“A rapid reaction led us to a good outcome. The animal has been rescued and is safe and sound.”
