A spectator is killed during a bull run in southern France

A man is injured and dies during a traditional bull-running festival in southern France.

„It is with deep sadness that I inform you that one man was killed last night during a bullfighting event held during the festival of our municipal patron saint“, – the mayor of Généraux, Fré&d&rric Touzellier, posted on Facebook on Friday.

He urged spectators to be extra cautious and follow safety rules and stay behind protective fences.

An unfortunate accident occurred during the traditional event when riders were driving bulls through the streets to the arena.

According to French media , a 60–70-year-old man crossed the street on Thursday evening after the animals had already passed. However, one of them turned around and knocked the man down.

Generac, with a population of 4,000, is located in the Camargue region, where the tradition of bullfighting is still widespread.

France has long been divided on this issue. For many, it is a national symbol and an art form. Opponents of the custom consider the controversial spectacle, in which bulls often do not survive, to be cruel treatment of animals.