Four people were hospitalized after a bull named Party Bus escaped an arena at an Oregon rodeo and charged into patrons outside. The incident occurred at the 84th Sisters Rodeo in the city of Sisters, about 22 miles north of Bend. Video footage verified by NBC News showed the bull charging and flipping a rodeo-goer before being contained by livestock professionals. The Sisters Rodeo Association stated that the bull jumped an arena barrier, ran through the rodeo grounds, and was eventually secured by rodeo pickup men and arena staff near the back livestock pens.
The arena announcer immediately called for an emergency response as the bull made its way through the rodeo grounds. The incident took place right before the last ride of the night was scheduled, with a sold-out crowd singing along to Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” Two of the injured individuals were released from medical care on the same night, while the other two were taken to hospitals for treatment. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Jayson Janes mentioned that one of the injured may have been hurt as patrons tried to flee from the bull. Sheriff’s deputies and private security quickly responded to contain the situation, and some of the injuries sustained were minor.
Organizers of the Sisters Rodeo stated that they were grateful to hear that all injured persons had been released from medical care and were now home. This was the first time that anyone could recall such a breach occurring at the rodeo since its inception in 1940. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association praised the arena’s pickup men, rodeo staff, and local first responders for their rapid and professional response in containing the bull. Party Bus, the bull involved in the incident, had previously competed in the Sisters Rodeo Xtreme Bull Riding event and tied for third in the first round.
The stock contractor for the bull, Corey & Lange Rodeo of Moses Lake, Washington, could not be reached for comment regarding the incident. Organizers mentioned that Party Bus had been checked out by veterinarians and was believed to be unharmed. Saturday’s event was sold out, with a few hundred people in attendance. Lt. Janes confirmed that three of the injured individuals were taken to hospitals via ambulance, while one was transported in a sheriff’s cruiser. The situation was contained quickly by law enforcement and rodeo staff, preventing it from escalating further.
Overall, the incident at the Sisters Rodeo underscored the unpredictable nature of rodeo events and the potential dangers posed by large animals such as bulls. Despite the chaos caused by Party Bus escaping the arena, organizers and emergency responders were able to swiftly handle the situation and ensure the safety of the patrons. The injured individuals were treated and released, with some sustaining only minor injuries. Moving forward, it is likely that additional safety measures will be implemented to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
