Killer bees attack three people and kill one in Arizona

Marana, Arizona - What a horrific way to go! A man was attacked by a massive swarm of bees in Arizona on Thursday and died from his injuries.

The bees stung the group over 100 times (stock image)!
The bees stung the group over 100 times (stock image)!  © 123rf/jarino47

According to the local fire department, first responders were called around noon to deal with a swarm of bees in Marana. Shortly after, three people had to be taken to a nearby hospital.

Authorities said the three individuals were stung over 100 times.

One victim died of his injuries shortly thereafter.

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"We can confirm one fatality, an adult male," read the sad announcement on the fire department's Facebook account Friday.

The man's identity has not yet been released by authorities.

Three of the firefighters were also injured – one of them was hospitalized with over 60 stings, but he was released shortly afterwards.

The other two did not require medical treatment, according to the fire department.

In addition, a photo was published of an expert called in to neutralize the swarm that came out of a hive in a tree nearby and weighed "an estimated around 100 pounds."

Marana police said most of the bees had been killed and the hive destroyed.

However, they still urged caution, saying, "Although the area is much safer, there are still some lingering bees. Please continue to use caution while in the area. Several people were injured and one person has passed away due to their injuries."

Exactly what happened on Thursday to cause the bees to become so aggressive is still unclear.

The common Western honeybee is generally gentle, even when swarming, which occurs when the colony is about to relocate. They rarely attack unless provoked or if they feel their hive is in danger.

Experts have reported an increase in Africanized honeybees which are incredibly aggressive, even at a distance from their hive, which could have been the case in Marana.

Cover photo: 123rf/jarino47

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