The quiet French town of Aurillac was thrown into chaos on Sunday morning when an unusual and aggressive bee attack left 24 people injured, with three initially in critical condition. The incident, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, has sent ripples across social media and news outlets, making “bee attack France” a trending topic.
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According to local authorities, including the Prefecture of Cantal, passersby in the town center were repeatedly stung by a swarm of bees. Emergency services, including firefighters and medical teams, swiftly responded to the scene to provide aid, while police established a security perimeter to contain the situation until the bees dispersed.
The three individuals who were in critical condition were immediately transported to a local hospital. Aurillac’s mayor, Pierre Mathonier, confirmed on Monday that their conditions have since improved. One 78-year-old victim, who suffered cardiac arrest after being stung multiple times, was successfully resuscitated and is now in stable condition. The other two critically injured individuals are also reported to be in good health.
Mayor Mathonier suggested that the uncharacteristic aggression of the bees might be linked to the presence of Asian hornets, an invasive species known to threaten beehives. The beehive responsible for the attack had been located on the roof terrace of a downtown hotel for over a decade. Following the incident, a beekeeper has safely removed and relocated the hive outside the town.
Lieutenant Colonel Michel Cayla, head of the local fire services, expressed his astonishment, stating he had “never experienced such an attack” in his career. The scale of the injuries and the panic it caused among residents were described as “impressive.”
While bee stings rarely prove fatal, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can occur. The incident in Aurillac serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers when bee colonies become agitated, especially in urban environments where human-wildlife interactions are more frequent. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and have urged residents to remain vigilant.
