Swarm of Bees Injures 24 in Aurillac, Three Hospitalized in Rare Attack

A tranquil Sunday morning in the French town of Aurillac turned into a scene of panic after a sudden and aggressive bee attack left 24 people injured, including three in critical condition.

The unusual incident occurred over the course of 30 minutes in the town center, prompting an emergency response from firefighters, paramedics, and police. Local authorities reported that the bee swarm attacked passersby at random shortly before noon.

Victims, many of whom were walking through the area or sitting at cafes, were stung repeatedly before first responders could intervene. A security perimeter was established around the scene, and the area was cordoned off until the bees calmed down.

According to Lt Col Michel Cayla, who oversees the local fire services, the nature and scale of the incident were unprecedented. “In terms of the number of victims, the panic among the people, and the severity of some of the injuries, it was striking,” he told TF1 broadcaster. Cayla added that he had never seen anything comparable in his career.

Three individuals required emergency hospitalization, including a 78-year-old who suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest and had to be resuscitated. Mayor Pierre Mathonier confirmed on Monday that all three have since stabilized and are no longer in critical condition.

Speaking to BFM TV, Mayor Mathonier suggested the attack may have been triggered by a conflict between local bees and invasive Asian hornets. He explained that a beehive had been installed over a decade ago on the rooftop terrace of a nearby hotel, and it’s believed the presence of hornets may have incited the bees’ aggressive behavior.

“The beekeeper has since removed the hive and relocated it outside the town,” Mathonier stated, emphasizing that the incident was highly unusual and not reflective of normal bee behavior.

Beekeeping experts and local environmental officers are now investigating the incident to determine whether the Asian hornets—known for their hostility toward bees—could have caused the swarm to react so violently. In recent years, France has seen increasing concern over the impact of invasive hornet species on local bee populations.

Authorities are urging residents and visitors to remain cautious around known beehives and to report any suspicious swarm behavior. No further incidents have been reported since the hive’s removal.