PAMPLONA, Spain (AP) -- An American man was thrown by a young cow and seriously injured in a mock bull fight following the first run of the famous San Fermin festival on Friday, putting a somber tone on what was meant to be nine days of constant partying.
The man, a 31-year-old from New York, was thrown in the bullring by one of five young cows released after the run. Officials said he could not move his legs and was taken to the Hospital de Navarra for an emergency operation. The man was identified only by his initials, R.D.
"He is in very serious condition and could be paralyzed for life," said Pello Pellejero, a Pamplona government spokesman. A hospital official confirmed on condition of anonymity that the man was being operated on urgently.
Six injuries were reported during the bull run itself, including two serious: New Zealander David MacDowell, 25, was gored in the thigh, and a Pamplona native, Ramon Garayoa, 46, fell and was trampled.
Pwnd!