BOGOTA, Colombia — Part of the wooden stands collapsed during a bullfight in central Colombia on Sunday, sending spectators plunging to the ground, killing at least four people and seriously injuring about 30, authorities said.
The disaster took place in a stadium in the city of El Espinal in Tolima state during a traditional event called “corraleja,” in which members of the public enter the ring to engage the bulls.
Videos show a three-story section of the stands collapsing as people screamed.
“We have activated the hospital network in Tolima,” Tolima Gov. José Ricardo Orozco told local Blu Radio. “Four people have died as of this moment: two women, a man and a minor.”
Authorities said about 30 people were seriously injured.
Orozco said that he had asked for the traditional corralejas to be suspended in Tolima earlier Sunday but that this one was held anyway.
President-elect Gustavo Petro urged local officials to ban such events, noting that it was not the first time such an incident had taken place.
“I ask mayors not to allow more events involving the death of people or animals,” he said.
Current President Iván Duque announced an investigation on Twitter.
“We lament the terrible tragedy registered in El Espinal, Tolima, during the festivals of San Pedro and San Juan, with the collapse of the stands during a corraleja. We will call for an investigation.”
