Massive Bee Swarm in Aurillac, France Injures 24, Three Critical

A quiet summer day in the charming French town of Aurillac turned into a scene straight out of a horror movie as a massive swarm of bees descended upon unsuspecting residents. On Sunday, this unusual and terrifying attack left 24 people injured, with three in critical condition, now recovering in a local hospital.

Over a chaotic 30-minute period, the streets of this picturesque alpine community in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region buzzed with panic as stings rained down. Among the most severely affected was a 78-year-old individual who suffered cardiorespiratory arrest and required resuscitation. Thankfully, their condition has stabilized, and the other two critical cases are reportedly in good health, according to Mayor Pierre Mathonier.

The mayor speculated that the bees’ aggression might have escalated over time, possibly linked to past disturbances, like an incident over a decade ago when Asian hornets targeted a beehive on a downtown hotel’s roof terrace. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Michel Cayla of the local fire services described the incident as ‘impressive’, noting the sheer scale of victims, panic, and severity of injuries was unlike anything he’d witnessed before.

While most bee stings cause minor symptoms—sharp pain, welts, and swelling, as per the Mayo Clinic—the potential for danger is real. In the U.S. alone, the CDC estimates an average of 62 deaths annually from bee and hornet stings between 2000 and 2017. Fortunately, the beehive responsible for this attack has been safely removed and relocated outside Aurillac, ensuring the town can breathe a little easier.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability, even in the most idyllic of settings. As we marvel at the beauty of places like Aurillac, we must also respect the wild elements that can, quite literally, strike with a sting.