Millions Of Bees Loose After Semi Rollover In Utah; 2 People Stung

SUMMIT COUNTY, UT — A semi-truck hauling millions of bees rolled over in Summit County, Utah, leaving two people hurt and prompting officials to warn the public to avoid the area for several days.

Crews were called Monday after a semi-truck rolled on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 near mile marker 149, the Park City Fire District said in a Facebook post. The semi was hauling over 200 beehives.

"Every effort is being made to save as many bees as possible," the fire district said.

The right lane was closed, though traffic flowed smoothly through the area, firefighters said.

Beekeeping experts warned of "significant bee activity" throughout the Fourth of July weekend near milepost 149 in Silver Creek Canyon.

"Millions of bees are estimated to be loose in the area," the fire district warned.

Local beekeepers were recovering as many bees as possible, but officials warned the public to avoid walking, biking or riding through the Silver Creek section of the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail, especially over the next several days.

"The rail trail is closed through the canyon, at this time, due to all the Bees that are in the area."

Two people were taken to a hospital with multiple bee stings and minor injuries.

Photos and video taken at the scene showed a swarm of bees flying over a debris field of broken hives on the side of the highway. A semi truck flipped and came to a rest on its side, with its wheels in the air.