A truck carrying hundreds of beehives overturned on a highway in Texas on Tuesday, releasing a massive swarm of bees that forced road closures and resulted in several people being stung.
Incident Details
The accident occurred on Interstate 35 near Waco, Texas, when the truck driver lost control and the vehicle tipped over, spilling thousands of bees from the hives. Local authorities reported that the driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital.
According to the Waco Fire Department, at least 10 people were treated for bee stings, including first responders who arrived at the scene. The swarm became aggressive, prompting officials to close a stretch of the highway for several hours.
Response and Beekeeper Involvement
Beekeepers from the Central Texas Beekeepers Association were called to help contain the bees. They used smoke and specialized equipment to calm the insects and safely relocate them to new hives. "The bees were understandably agitated, but we managed to collect most of them without further incident," said beekeeper Mark Johnson.
The Texas Department of Transportation estimated that about 400 hives were on the truck, each containing roughly 50,000 bees. The hives were being transported from a commercial apiary in California to a farm in Louisiana.
Impact and Safety Measures
The road closure caused significant traffic delays, with vehicles backed up for miles. Authorities urged drivers to keep windows rolled up and avoid the area. The highway was reopened late Tuesday evening after most of the bees were cleared.
Officials are investigating the cause of the accident, but initial reports suggest a mechanical failure may have been responsible. The trucking company faces potential fines for the spill and cleanup costs.
This incident highlights the risks associated with transporting live cargo. The American Beekeeping Federation noted that such accidents are rare but can be dangerous when they occur. "Proper securing of hives is critical to prevent these situations," said federation spokesperson Laura Davis.
