Bees on the Loose: Truck Crash Sparks Chaos in Washington

A truck carrying millions of honeybees overturned in northwestern Washington state near the Canadian border, prompting local authorities to issue urgent warnings. The incident occurred in Whatcom County near Lynden, where the vehicle, loaded with approximately 70,000 pounds of active beehives, flipped over, releasing an estimated 250 million bees, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office took to social media, stating, “250 million bees are now loose. Weidkamp Road is closed from West Badger to Loomis Trail Road due to the roll-over of the commercial vehicle full of bees.” They urged the public to steer clear of the area to avoid potential swarming and stings.

Local deputies, Whatcom County public works staff, and a bee expert responded swiftly to the scene. Their primary goal, as reported by DW, is to recover as many bees as possible by encouraging them to return to their hives and locate their queen bee within a day or two. The crash site will remain closed until the rescue operation is complete.

Several beekeepers joined the effort, assisting emergency officials in managing the situation. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of saving the bees, which are vital for pollinating crops. The road closure and public safety measures remain in effect as the delicate recovery process continues.