Millions of bees escape semi in Utah accident
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SALT LAKE CITY - A portion of an interstate in southern Utah has reopened after a truck hauling millions of bees overturned, freeing the insects.
Angry swarms of bees ranging in the millions closed down part of Interstate 15 Sunday after a semi hauling the bees rolled on the freeway, CBS News affiliate KUTV-TV reported.
Officials said 25 million angry bees burst forth from the semi after the wreck near St. George, stinging people injured in the accident.
Authorities closed the southbound lanes of the interstate roadway near St. George for several hours Sunday night after the crash. Utah Highway Patrol Cpl. Todd Johnson says the road reopened early Monday morning.
Johnson says many of the insects dispersed, but the truck's driver and passenger — and at least two law enforcement officers — were stung. No serious injuries were reported. He says beekeepers were brought in to help.
The hives have since been moved to nearby pastures in hopes the bees will return. Authorities had been recommending drivers in the area keep their windows closed.
The cause of the accident remains unknown. No other vehicles were involved, and there are no other reports of injuries.
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It's possible the bees MIGHT be able to take care of themselves, but I'm doubtful. This is a desert. We have very very very few flowering plants for them to get nectar from. The winters get below freezing.
And yes, we do have africanized bees in the area.
News reports down here state they have apiculturists on-scene and are attempting to round them up. We're still advised to keep our windows up while driving, and traffic was very slow around the scene of the accident for me today.
I believe the driver of the truck had to be hospitalized for having stings all over his back. And I can only imagine the fear others in my area with allergies to bee stings are feeling.