Honey bees can sting, but they aren’t known for doing so unless they are disturbed. This is a good thing, as authorities estimate 14 Million escaped in Washington State over the weekend.
According to a news release by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the bees broke loose on Saturday morning at around 4 AM. A truck carrying approximately 70,000 pounds of live honey bees rolled over on Weidkamp Road near Lynden. The incident prompted a road closure, and the Sheriff’s Office advised people to stay clear of the area.
Police explain that they enlisted the help of “several bee experts.” Just after 9:00 AM, Authorities unloaded the hives from the truck, releasing the bees into the local area. “Master beekeepers are on scene, and others are on the way, to assist in re-setting the box hives,” the Sheriff’s Office explains. “The goal is to save as many of the bees as possible.”
In an updated post, the Sheriff’s Office clarified how many bees potentially escaped. Several outlets estimated up to 250 Million escaped the toppled truck. However, authorities now believe that number is closer to 14 Million. “Thank you to those who challenged the math and helped us get closer to the true number,” police said.
Authorities Say The Bees Pose No Threat To The General Public
Authorities stress there is no health risk to the public, although those allergic to bee stings should consult guidance. A social media user, u/Subject-Property-343, posted footage of the incident on Reddit.
The video shows the crashed truck with thousands of bees flying around the area. Sky News reveals similar footage from a different angle, showing bees swarming the truck cabin.
The outlet also explains that the driver of the truck escaped unharmed. Investigators believe they miscalculated a tight bend in the road, which caused the trailer to topple. On Saturday, the Sheriff’s Office posted an update, saying, “At this time, on-scene work is done. Hive boxes from the overturned truck were recovered, restored and returned to use. By morning, most bees should have returned to their hives, and those responsible for their delivery will be in charge.”