By Jon Johnson/Gila Herald
jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com
SOLOMON – A family fled for the safety of their vehicle from an attacking swarm of bees in Solomon on Saturday only to have the swarm follow them into the confined space.
A collaborative effort from the Graham County Sheriff’s Office, Lifeline Ambulance, and the Safford Fire Department saved the injured parties and eradicated the threat.
Authorities were initially dispatched at about 6:10 p.m. to the intersection of Main Street and Bowie Avenue to assist three adult females and one 12-year-old boy who had been stung mulitiple times by swarming bees who remained aggressive. With the influx of Africanized “Killer” Bees, experts advise most if not all wild bees in Arizona have become Africanized.
The victims were stung multiple times, however none appeared to be allergic, even though one adult later advised she was having a hard time breathing.
Paramedics from Lifeline Ambulance administered aid to the victims, while Sheriff’s Office deputies made helped ensure the remaining bees flying around didn’t sting anyone else.
The Safford Fire Department cleared the victim’s vehicle and then located the hive and took care of it.
