Unusual Bee Attack in French Town Leaves 24 Injured

A rare and alarming incident unfolded in the French town of Aurillac, where a swarm of bees launched an unprovoked attack, leaving 24 individuals injured. Among the victims, three were critically injured but have since shown improvement, according to local officials. The event, which occurred on Sunday morning in south-central France, has triggered a swift response from emergency services and raised concerns about beekeeping practices in urban areas.

The Prefecture of Cantal reported that passersby in the town were stung over the course of approximately 30 minutes. Firefighters and medical teams were immediately deployed to the scene to provide urgent care to those affected. Police established a security perimeter to ensure public safety until the bees ceased their aggressive behavior.

Pierre Mathonier, the mayor of Aurillac, provided further details on the incident through an interview with a national broadcaster. He confirmed that the three most seriously injured individuals were hospitalized and are now in stable condition. Notably, a 78-year-old person suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest and required resuscitation before stabilizing. The two other individuals, according to the mayor, are currently in good health.

Mayor Mathonier suggested that the bees' aggression could have been triggered by the presence of Asian hornets, which are known to prey on honeybees. He explained that a beehive, originally installed on the roof terrace of a downtown hotel over a decade ago, may have been under threat, prompting the bees to act defensively. In response, the local beekeeper has since removed the hive and relocated it outside the town to mitigate future risks.

Lieutenant Colonel Michel Cayla, who oversees the local fire services, expressed his astonishment at the scale of the event. He noted that the incident was unprecedented in his experience and highlighted the challenges faced by emergency responders. One victim required resuscitation in a fire department ambulance, according to Cayla, who described the situation as "impressive" in terms of the number of victims, public panic, and the severity of some injuries.

While the exact cause of the bees' sudden aggression remains under investigation, the incident underscores the delicate balance between urban development and natural ecosystems. The relocation of the beehive is a proactive step to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of residents and visitors in Aurillac.

As the town begins to recover, the event serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible beekeeping and the potential consequences of neglecting environmental factors in densely populated areas.