Bull jumps into stands in Mexico City

updated 9:02 a.m. ET Jan. 31, 2006

MEXICO CITY - A half-ton bull named Pajarito, or “Little Birdy,” jumped into the stands during a bullfight, injuring several spectators before it was killed.

Officials said Monday they planned to reinforce Mexico City’s most famous bullring after the bull leaped into the stands on Sunday, landing on spectators who tried to scatter as the animal ran through the aisles.

“We need to take preventative measures to avoid that a situation of this nature happens again,” Mayor Alejandro Encinas said, adding that Mexico City officials were meeting with specialists to determine the best way to reinforce the stadium.

The bull easily cleared the wall around the bullring and a second, higher fence as it crashed into the stands.

Eventually one of the bullfight participants crawled up into the stands and stabbed the animal to death.

At least two people were hospitalized.

The bullfight resumed 30 minutes after the incident, which occurred during the second fight of the day during one of Mexico City’s most popular weekend sporting events.

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