A truck transporting dozens of beehives crashed on a motorway in Turkey’s Mugla province, unleashing swarms of bees and leaving at least 18 people hospitalised with multiple stings. The accident occurred on the route toward the Marmara district, forcing emergency crews and motorists to contend with thousands of agitated insects at the scene.
According to Turkey’s state‑run Anadolu Agency, the vehicle overturned after losing control, causing the wooden hives to break open across the roadway. Bees quickly escaped, swarming drivers, passengers, and first responders who arrived to assist those injured in the crash.
Emergency services closed the motorway for up to two hours while beekeepers were called in to help manage the situation. Crews used suppression foam and protective suits normally reserved for hazardous incidents to safely approach the wreckage and clear the road.
Among those taken to hospital were several motorists and two foreign tourists who suffered extensive stings. While none of the injuries were reported as life‑threatening, officials said the sheer volume of bees significantly complicated rescue efforts and delayed medical treatment.
Images from the scene showed officials in full protective gear working amid scattered hives and wreckage, as bees continued to hover around the crash site. The incident quickly drew international attention, highlighting the risks involved in transporting live animals and agricultural cargo on busy highways.
