MAYO – A woman in her early 70s has tragically died after being attacked by a swarm of bees in County Mayo. The incident occurred yesterday evening around 5 p.m. in the Ballycastle area.
The woman was with her husband, tending to several beehives to collect honey, when the swarm suddenly attacked. She suffered numerous stings and became ill at the scene.
The Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118, was deployed to provide assistance, but the woman sadly passed away at Sligo University Hospital.
Several other individuals who tried to help were also badly stung. One person was taken to a hospital in Castlebar but was discharged a short time later.
According to beekeepers, fatalities from such incidents are extremely rare, but they can occur if a person has a severe allergic reaction to the stings. Bees are known to be more agitated and protective in poor weather conditions and when their honey crop is being collected.
A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death, and a file will be prepared for the local coroner. Sources and related content
