13 hospitalised, including consultant after attack by bees

A number of patients and staff at the Atabage-Udagama Rural Hospital in Gampola were hospitalised on Wednesday (01) following an attack by bees. The incident occurred after a woman, who had been stung near a bees’ nest, ran to the hospital seeking help, with the swarm pursuing her.

Bees attacked those in the hospital, including patients and a doctor, resulting in 13 individuals being admitted to the Gampola Teaching Hospital. Among the injured were four members of the hospital staff, eight female patients attending a clinic, and the doctor who was conducting consultations at the time.

According to the police, the bees were disturbed after an eagle attacked their nest. The woman, who was stung during the incident, had fled to the hospital in an attempt to escape the swarm.

Those at the hospital reportedly tried to shield themselves by closing windows and doors and lighting fires to produce smoke. Two ambulances were later dispatched to transport the seriously injured to the Gampola Hospital.

Meanwhile, nearby shopkeepers were also targeted by the bees. In response, they closed their premises and lit fires in an effort to repel the swarm.