Early Friday morning, a semi loaded with about 70,000 pounds of bee hives crashed in Whatcom County, Washington, sending roughly 250 million bees loose near the Canadian border.
The details: The wreck happened around 4 a.m. on Weidkamp Road, northwest of Lynden. The load of hives spilled across the road, and the truck’s trailer ended up twisted around.
- Authorities quickly shut down Weidkamp Road between Loomis Trail Road and West Badger.
- Officials say the road will stay closed for 24 to 48 hours while bee experts work to reset the hives.
Beekeepers and emergency crews are focused on getting as many bees as possible back to the hives. “The plan is to allow the bees to re-hive and find their queen bee. That should occur within the next 24-48 hours,” said Amy Cloud from Whatcom County's emergency management division, according to KOMO News.
Officials are warning people to avoid the area, especially anyone allergic to bee stings. Some sheriff’s deputies at the scene were stung, but there have not been any reports of serious injuries.
No word yet on what caused the truck to overturn.