In the French town of Aurillac, in the Cantal department, dozens of people have been attacked by a swarm of bees.
Twenty-four people were stung, three of whom are in critical condition in the hospital.
The attack took place this morning between 9:30 and 10:00. Several passers-by were stung in Aurillac, near the Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux. For more than ten years, beehives have been on the hotel’s roof terrace, Mayor Pierre Mathonier explained to France 3. It is possible that Asian hornets, an aggressive species of wasp, threatened the beehives, thereby provoking the bee attack. “That theory seems to hold water.”
Emergency services arrived quickly to treat the victims. Police also set up a safety perimeter. By noon, the situation was under control, and the bee attack had stopped. “The beekeeper who owns the hives intervened. He had never seen such behaviour before.”
In total, 24 people were stung, 3 of whom are in critical condition after a severe allergic reaction. The victims were all taken to the hospital in Aurillac. “It could have ended much worse,” the mayor added. “But it is shocking. A 78-year-old person was stung 25 times.”
Several firefighters were also stabbed, but their injuries were minor.
