A Texas neighborhood was placed under a stay-indoors warning after a semi-truck carrying hundreds of beehives overturned, releasing an estimated 24 million honeybees into the area.
The accident happened Sunday morning in Orange County, Texas, near the Louisiana border. The truck, which was transporting about 400 beehives, overturned on a rural road, prompting emergency crews to close nearby streets while beekeepers worked to recover the hives and contain the massive swarm.
Each hive contained between 60,000 and 80,000 bees, meaning millions escaped after the crash. Local authorities urged residents near Colony Drive to remain indoors while first responders and volunteer beekeepers managed the situation.
Beekeepers from several businesses quickly arrived to help recover the hives. Chris Moore, owner of Moore Honey, estimated that only about 25% of the 408 hives would survive, depending on whether the queen bees remained alive.
The truck had reportedly traveled only a few miles before the driver took a wrong turn onto narrow neighborhood roads. While attempting a tight corner, the trailer tipped over, spilling the hives.
No serious injuries were reported, although one local TV photojournalist was stung while covering the incident. Beekeepers also set up collection boxes to attract and recover loose bees, warning that it could take time before the area was completely cleared.