A tractor trailer was carrying 460 hives of honeybees when it overturned. Imagine, some 16 to 20 million bees suddenly set free on a Delaware highway.
"The initial responders pulled up and found a large swarm of bees. Three people that had been riding in the tractor trailer had actually self extricated and were running down the street, covered in bees, receiving multiple bee stings." (Via Delaware Online)
Those three people, including the truck driver, are currently undergoing treatment for multiple bee stings at a local hospital.
"Many of those bees were able to escape from their boxes after the accident. The driver and two passengers were stung 50-100 times each." (Via NBC)
But it turns out the state of Delaware actually already had a plan just in case something like this ever happened.
"This is the first time in 14 years the Delaware State Police Department had to utilize its bee swarm removal plan." (Via KYW-TV)
The first step: Calling in those brave people who willingly work with bees on a day-to-day basis. And one beekeeper's advice for those traveling by the area? Keep your windows up. (Via WTXF)
BEEKEEPER: "They're probably thirsty, now they're all disoriented and angry, I'm sure."
The bees were being taken from Florida to Maine. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
