Bees Attack Women in Their 70s While on the Golf Course

Two women in their 70s were attacked by a swarm of bees at the Laguna Woods golf course today and were rushed to an area hospital, where they were listed in moderate condition.

The bee attack occurred about 11 a.m. at the golf course at 24112 Moulton Parkway, according to Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi.

A maintenance man on a lawn mower apparently disturbed a hive, prompting the swarm of bees to descend on a 72-year-old woman, who was stung about 15 times, Concialdi said.

The woman’s 74-year-old friend rushed to help her, swatting the bees away, but then the swarm attacked her, stinging her about 50 times, Concialdi said.

Firefighters advise running away from a swarm of bees instead of attempting to swat them away, Concialdi said.

“You can outrun bees,” he said. “Just get away from them.”

Paramedics used credit cards to help take the stingers out, Concialdi said.

“Just push (the credit card) into the skin and scrape it and it pulls the stinger right out,” Concialdi said.

The women, who had just played the 11th hole and were on their way to the 12th when the bees attacked, were taken to Saddleback Memorial Hospital for further treatment, Concialdi said.

-City News Service; Pixabay