Around 9:30 a.m. Monday morning, first responders dispatched to a semi-trailer that had rolled over on US271 and Loop 286.
The semi-trailer was carrying hundreds of beehives and it was estimated to have spilled 25 million bees.
The cleanup took most of the day with many beekeepers from around the area joining in the cleanup.
As of this morning, the roads are open and debris has been removed.
“There are still bees in the area and will remain in the area for some time,” said Paris Chief of Police Bob Hundley. “Beekeepers have set up a hive and will be moving a queen in to try to attract more back to the hive for removal.”
Hundley said while they train for many different hazardous material releases which occur in vehicle crashes, they don’t recall one for trucks hauling bees.
“Several of our first responders received stings and all are okay,” added Hundley. “A special thanks to the many local beekeepers who came out to help.”
If you do have a swarm that attaches to something on your property, please call 903-784-6688, option ‘0’.
“Please don’t kill them, they are very important to the ecosystem and humans. If you have someone who is allergic to stings, please be careful in the area of the crash.”
