A major roadside accident in Southeast Texas led to the release of an estimated two million bees after an 18-wheeler transporting beehives overturned in Orange County.
Local authorities quickly responded, urging nearby residents to stay indoors as emergency crews worked to control the situation.
The incident caused an unusual but serious public safety response, with thousands of live bees swarming the surrounding area following the crash.
Crash Occurs Near Residential Roads in Orange County
According to Orange County Emergency Services District No. 4, the truck overturned on Sunday morning near Colony Lane and Colony Drive in the FM 1130 area. The vehicle was reportedly carrying a large load of beehives when it lost control while navigating a turn.
The driver involved in the crash was not injured, officials confirmed.
Authorities Issue Indoor Warning Due to Swarming Bees
Following the overturn, officials issued an immediate advisory asking residents in the 1130 and Colony Drive vicinity to remain indoors. Emergency responders described a “heavy presence of bees” in the area, prompting caution for anyone living nearby.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office joined fire and rescue units at the scene to help manage traffic and secure the area while beekeepers assisted in recovery efforts.
Millions of Bees Released From Transport Trailer
Local media outlet KBTX reported that approximately two million bees were released after the crash, while KOGT noted the truck was carrying around 50,000 pounds of bees at the time of the accident.
Reports suggest the driver was unable to properly navigate the turn on Colony Lane, leading to the vehicle overturning and the hives being exposed.
Beekeepers Rush to Salvage Hives From Overturned Trailer
Images shared by Queen Bee Supply LLC showed beekeepers wearing protective suits working carefully around the overturned trailer. The truck was seen lying on its side with stacked hive boxes scattered in the aftermath.
In one image, a dense cluster of bees could be seen gathering around a nearby tree, illustrating the scale of the escape and the difficulty of containment.
Hours of Cleanup as Hives Are Transferred to Safety
Recovery efforts continued throughout the day as crews worked to transfer the exposed hives onto transport vehicles bound for a nearby honey farm.
Officials said the operation was slow and delicate due to the large number of active bees still swarming the area.
By Sunday afternoon, about 75% of the trailer’s cargo had been safely removed, though parts of the surrounding neighborhood remained closed to traffic.
Residents were advised to avoid the area entirely until cleanup operations were completed and conditions were deemed safe.
