Five dead in Colombia after bullfighting stand collapses

The department's hospital system has been put on high alert.

This was announced by the governor of the province of Tolima, Ricardo Orozco. He noted that before the event he asked not to hold bullfights.

Now the condition of ten victims is assessed by doctors as serious. Authorities have launched an investigation into the tragedy.

Newly elected Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who takes office on August 7, has asked city leaders "not to sanction animal death shows".

Note that the stadium in El Espinal was built several decades ago. He could not stand the huge number of bullfighting visitors. During the chaos of the bleachers collapse, several bulls broke free. Local residents hid in houses from angry animals. Emergency services are clearing the rubble, and are also trying to catch runaway bulls.