One runner suffered a gor­ing to the face and 12 others sustained injuries during a chaotic bull run at Spain's famed San Fermin festival on Saturday. The incident occurred on the second day of the annual event in Pamplona, a city in northern Spain.

The San Fermin festival, which draws thousands of tourists and locals, is known worldwide for its daily "encierros" or bull runs, where participants run in front of six fighting bulls through the city's narrow streets.

Local health officials reported that the runner gored in the face, a 45-year-old man, was in serious condition and had been transported to the regional hospital. The other 12 individuals suffered various injuries, including bruises and sprains, with most treated on-site and released. No fatalities have been reported in connection with this particular run.

The gorings and injuries highlight the inherent dangers of the festival, a tradition that dates back centuries. While the event is a major draw for tourism and a significant cultural event for Pamplona, it consistently results in injuries, and has seen fatalities in past years.

This year's festival, which began on Friday, will continue for several more days, featuring multiple bull runs, bullfights, and other traditional events. Security measures are in place, but the unpredictable nature of the bulls and the large crowds make preventing all injuries a significant challenge.

Emergency services are on high alert throughout the festival to respond to incidents. Medical teams are stationed along the bull run route and at key points throughout the city to provide immediate assistance.

Animal rights groups have long criticized the San Fermin festival, citing the stress and potential harm to the bulls involved, as well as the risks faced by the runners. Despite protests and calls for its abolition, the festival remains a deeply ingrained part of Spanish culture and a major economic driver for the region.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and ensure public safety during the remaining days of the festival, which is scheduled to conclude on July 14.