Captain

Swarm of Bees Attack Woman — and Her Rescuers — in Huntington Beach

Firefighters found "a large amount of bees tangled in (her) hair"

A woman suffered numerous stings Saturday after contact with a swarm of bees in Huntington Beach, authorities said.

The attack was reported at 9:07 a.m. near Garfield Avenue and Seapoint Street, Huntington Beach Fire Department Capt. Steve Teasdale said.

When firefighters arrived they found the woman, who had been stung multiple times and "had a large amount of bees tangled in (her) hair," Teasdale said.

One firefighter was stung multiple times while trying to help the woman, he said.

Firefighters were able to free her from the bees after suppressing them with a water-foam mixture, Teasdale said.

The woman was taken to a hospital for treatment of the stings but the firefighter did not require medical care, he said.

A search of the area failed to turn up an active hive, so it was not known whether there was a hive nearby or if it was a passing swarm, Teasdale said.

"If you come into contact with a swarm of bees or a bee hive, act calmly and leave the area quickly and quietly," he advised. "If you or anyone gets stung and needs medical treatment, please call 911."

Copyright CNS - City News Service
Contact Us