Around two million bees escaped after a truck carrying hundreds of beehives overturned on a highway in the US state of North Dakota.
According to authorities, the accident happened when the truck driver swerved to avoid another vehicle. The truck then overturned, causing hundreds of beehives to spill onto the road and releasing a large number of bees.
The truck was carrying between 600 and 800 beehives.
Driver stung hundreds of times
Police said the driver managed to climb out of the cab on his own, but was immediately surrounded by the escaped bees. Local media reported that he was stung hundreds of times and was taken to hospital for treatment.
The highway remained closed for about eight hours while emergency crews worked to clear the scene. Local beekeepers also came to help recover the bees and secure the damaged hives.
Authorities advised nearby residents who are allergic to bee stings to stay indoors until the situation was under control.
Honeybees play an important role in pollinating crops and wild plants. In the United States, commercial beekeepers regularly transport millions of bees around the country to help pollinate fruits, vegetables and nuts.
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