20 million bees swarm highway after semi crash

July 24, 2024

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) - Deputies in eastern Idaho are investigating what caused a semitrailer to swerve and tip, releasing a swarm of 20 million bees.

hives and bees remain in the area of Highway 33 outside a desert site of Idaho National Laboratory. Firefighters with the agency wore plastic suits at the scene Thursday morning.

Butte County Sheriff Wes Collins says there is no evidence so far that truck driver Rolando Aparicio swerved to avoid a car as he says he did, but that the investigation is ongoing.

He said Aparicio was uninjured, though many bee stings were reported.

KatieBee Honey co-owner Brian Wiggins says the bees were headed to make honey in North Dakota. Insurance is covering part of the loss.

None of the hives could be salvaged.

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