A 21-year-old young man, a resident of Martorell, has died in the hospital after being struck by a young cow during the correbous festivities in Tírig, Castelló. The impact caused a severe head injury that kept him in the ICU for several days. The incident, which occurred as he crossed between the safety barriers, reopens the debate on the danger of these popular celebrations. Tradition, once again, claims a life. 💔
Safety technology in festivities: sensors and smart fencing 🛡️
Current protection systems at popular bull-running events rely on physical barriers that, as we have seen, are not infallible. There are technical developments that could mitigate risks: fencing with pressure sensors that trigger alarms, surveillance drones with thermal vision to track the animal, and mobile applications that geolocate attendees. These devices, already tested in other regions, provide real-time data to organizers. Their implementation, however, requires investment and political will. The question is whether tradition allows for stricter protocols or if we will continue to mourn victims.
Correbous 2.0: now with collision warning via Bluetooth 📡
If the young man had worn a smartwatch with a cow radar, perhaps his phone would have warned him: 3 meters away, horn heading northwest, jump the fence. Too bad nature doesn't update with security patches. Meanwhile, the most cautious are already asking for an airplane mode for the horns or an antivirus against bad luck. Because, let's be honest, in the century of the self-driving car, the most advanced thing we have to dodge a 200-kilo beast is still running faster than your neighbor.