Teenager killed after being gored in groin by bull at annual festival in Spain

Follows recent death of 74-year-old spectator knocked over at bull running event

Man knocked over during last year's bull running festival in Pamplona (EPA)

A 19-year-old has died after he was gored by a bull in eastern Spain, becoming the second person killed at bull festivals in the Mediterranean country over the past fortnight.

Fran Gonzalez was reportedly speared in the groin area as he attempted to dodge one of the mammals during an annual celebration in the province of Castellon on Tuesday.

The teenager died soon after he was taken to a nearby hospital, having suffered extensive bleeding, according to the La Vanguardia newspaper.

The San Vicente Ferrer festival held a minute’s silence on Wednesday as a public show of condolences for his family and friends.

It follows the recent death of a 74-year-old who was gored by bull during a traditional bull running event in the Andalusian town of Vejer de la Frontera.

The Spanish spectator, named as Juan Jose Varo, suffered a punctured lung and several broken ribs when the animal knocked him over as he tried to climb to safety on top of a set of railings.

Medics had to treat another man who needed seven stitches after he was wounded by the same bull, and a woman who fainted.

The Vejer de la Frontera festival features the running of two bulls through the streets of the hill-top tow every Easter Sunday.

This week’s death at the San Vicente Ferrer festival happened as the 19-year-old took part in a bullfighting event on the streets of Chilches.

The teenager was an amateur “recortadore” – someone who attempts to dodge the bull as it runs at them in confined spaces – according to Spanish media.

The “El Natural” bullfighting club in La Vall d’Uixó said it was “sad, dismayed and shocked” to learn of Mr Gonzalez’s death.

At least 15 people are believed to have been killed while running with the bulls in Pamplona during July’s San Fermin celebration, the most popular bull festival in Spain.