Students stung by swarm of bees during fire drill, fire officials say

QUEEN CREEK, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) — Dozens of students were evaluated after they were swarmed by bees outside an Arizona school on Monday.

Fire officials said Queen Creek Junior School students were outside on the athletic field practicing a fire drill shortly before 2 p.m. when about four students were stung among the group of 41.

A Queen Creek Unified School District spokesperson said no one had to be taken to a hospital.

Beehive Bee and Wasp Removal said a 70-pound killer bee hive was found on the west side of the field. They said a hive that size can hold more than 80,000 bees. It was removed by 5:15 p.m.

Detectives found a football near the hive and believe that’s why they attacked the students.

Because of the East Valley’s unique weather, bees are more active in the spring and fall.

“For the next couple of weeks, when you’re out, especially in the desert areas, anywhere on the fringes, you need to be careful because they’re traveling; they’re moving,” Mike Boyle, with Burns Pest Elimination, said.

Boyle said with the recent rain and temperatures, bees are out and about. In some cases, they are looking for a new place to establish a hive.

“They just want to protect their queen,” he said.

Anyone who is attacked by bees should do their best to run away in a straight line and cover their face. Make sure not to swat at the bees, which could agitate them more. Then, look for shelter inside a home, car, or other secure place that can be hidden.

“If you’re not anywhere near their queen, they’re going to leave you alone,” Boyle said.

The cooler the weather gets, the less active the bees are, experts said.

The school district released a statement addressing the incident, saying the school health staff immediately assessed all students and employees affected by the bees. It also said the safety and well-being of all students and staff is the highest priority, and the area was closed off until the source of the bees was found and dealt with.

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