Bullfighter Clinging To His Life After Being Gored By Bull

A Spanish matador is fighting for his life in hospital after being gored by a bull.

The family of Mariano De la Viña say it is a complete miracle the 57-year-old is alive after the vicious attack which saw him launched into the air at the Plaza de Toros in Zaragoza, Spain.

De La Viña suffered three heart attacks as a result of the incident and underwent two lengthy operations to save his life.

The matador was taking part in the El Pilar fair when he was set upon by the powerful bull. Video footage of the attack has been released showing the animal charging at De La Viña, knocking him to the floor before lifting him into the air and dragging him across the ring.

The bull then lunged at him a second time, which left him with a 27-centimetre gash across his groin and a 22-centimetre cut between his rectum and bladder.



His femoral artery and another artery in his right Scarpa triangle were also damaged during the assault.

According to reports, the man's surgeon described his injuries as "cataclysmic" and said it was touch and go as to whether he would survive.

But it appears as though he may very well have been saved, as reports claim he had been taken off a ventilator and started to regain consciousness. It's also understood that his blood flow seems to have stabilised.

However, despite the optimism, his condition is still said to be very serious.

Dr. Carlos Val-Carreres, chief surgeon of the infirmary of the bullring of Zaragoza, told the bullfighting publication Mundotoro: "We have saved the life of Mariano De la Viña in the first instance but it is still very serious.



He is in the Intensive Care Unit of the Quirónsalud Zaragoza Hospital, with the latest newspaper stating: "He is stable but very serious. After sedation withdrawal, the patient's neurological response begins to be positive. Circulation is good in his right leg."

But with it being a very dangerous 'sport', the fact is that this isn't the first time a matador has come off second best.

Earlier this month, Gonzalo Caballero, 27, sustained injuries to his thigh and groin during an event to mark Hispanic Day in Madrid's Las Ventas bullring.

The bull reportedly hit a 'vital vein', leaving Caballero in a 'serious condition'.

The back of the bull's neck had been cut by a sword but the animal continued to fight, charging at Caballero and hitting him in the leg before tossing him into the air.

Lesson learnt here? Bullfighting is disgusting. Don't do it.