Attack in holiday region – swarm of bees injures over 20 people
In a French town, bees became so panicked by an attack by Asian hornets that they attacked people. One woman was stung 25 times.
In the French town of Aurillac, a fatal bee attack occurred in the city center. A swarm attacked people, injuring several people. An elderly woman was stung 25 times, and another suffered cardiac arrest but was resuscitated by firefighters.
As Metro reports, three people are in critical condition after suffering allergic reactions.
It is suspected that Asian hornets may be the cause of the bees' aggressive behavior. These natural enemies of bees may have attacked the hive. "Beehives have been on the roof terrace of the Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux for over ten years. Asian hornets must have threatened the hive, causing the bees to become aggressive," said Pierre Mathonier, mayor of Aurillac.
The swarm then panicked and spread to the surrounding streets. According to Metro, the city administration plans to relocate or remove the affected hives to prevent future incidents.
A bee sting can be painful but is usually harmless to healthy people. The stinger often remains embedded in the skin and should be carefully removed with tweezers to avoid releasing more venom. Applying ice to the area afterward helps minimize swelling. If you experience an allergic reaction to bee venom, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Various home remedies can relieve symptoms after a bee sting. A cooling compress with curd cheese has an anti-inflammatory effect, while a sliced onion helps reduce swelling and itching. Baking soda can also neutralize the acidic bee venom, and a sugar paste can draw the venom out of the skin. Insect venom allergies, which affect approximately three million people in Germany, can be life-threatening in severe cases, so it's important to take preventative measures.
The Asian hornet continues to spread in Germany. Since its first sighting in 2014, it has colonized several federal states – and is becoming a threat to native insect species.
- Appearance: The Asian hornet is strikingly black and yellow in color and grows up to three centimeters long.
- Prey: Unlike the native hornet, it specifically hunts honeybees—they make up up to 85 percent of its protein diet. This endangers entire bee colonies.
- Nests: Their nests are large, often well-hidden in trees, bushes, or buildings. Thousands of birds per nest make them particularly problematic near residential areas.
- Danger to humans: Fatalities are extremely rare. Not a single case of hornet sting has been recorded in Germany in the last 50 years.
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