A bull’s wild leap over a barrier at a packed Oregon rodeo injured three people, sending spectators into a frantic scramble. The incident occurred during the Sisters Rodeo’s bull-riding event, sparking chaos and urgent warnings from announcers. Quick action by rodeo staff ensured the bull was captured and secured.
Bull Jumps Barrier, Injures Three at Oregon Rodeo
Three people were injured Saturday night in central Oregon when a large bull jumped over a barrier into the crowd at a packed rodeo. Onlookers scrambled for safety before the animal was captured.
Chaos at Sisters Rodeo
The incident took place during the final portion of the bull-riding event at the 84th annual Sisters Rodeo in Sisters, Oregon. The rodeo is located more than 150 miles southeast of Portland.
Frantic Moments Caught on Video
Video circulating on social media shows the crowd under arena lights, swaying to Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.,” when the bull leaped into the stands. Footage also shows the bull charging through the concession area and flipping a person through the air.
Announcers Issue Urgent Warnings
As the bull jumped the fence, a rodeo announcer gave emergency instructions, repeatedly asking the crowd to take cover. “Get to higher ground, there’s a bull out!” shouted the announcers over the loudspeakers.
Bull Secured by Rodeo Workers
The Sisters Rodeo Association reported that the bull eventually ran back to the livestock holding pens. Rodeo workers then secured the animal and placed it into a pen.
Injuries Reported
Event officials said the bull injured three people, two of whom were transported to the hospital. As of Monday morning, their conditions were unknown, but all had returned home according to a Facebook post by the Sisters Rodeo.
Bull to Receive Additional Training
After Saturday night’s incident, the bull was taken home and will receive additional training, according to Leslie Lange, a spokeswoman for the livestock contractor. The bull’s behavior is being addressed to prevent future occurrences.
Rodeo’s Inherent Risks Acknowledged
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association acknowledged that while rodeo is a highly entertaining sport, it carries occasional risks. Their statement followed the bull-jumping episode at the Sisters Rodeo.
Past Incidents Highlight Risks
In 2022, a similar incident occurred in California, where a bull jumped a fence and injured several people. This history underscores the unpredictable nature of rodeo events.
Quick Actions Prevented Worse Outcome
The P.R.C.A. expressed gratitude to the quick-thinking rodeo staff and emergency medical workers. Their swift actions helped prevent Saturday’s incident from escalating further.
Longstanding Tradition of Sisters Rodeo
Established in 1940 with $500 purses, Sisters Rodeo has grown into a major event in the Western United States. The rodeo joined the P.R.C.A. in 1988 and regularly features world champions.
Events Resume After Incident
Despite the chaos on Saturday, Sisters Rodeo continued with all scheduled events on Sunday. The incident did not deter the continuation of this popular annual tradition.
