Firecrackers trigger a bee attack, 60 injured near Chittoor

A hive of rock bees. Nearly 60 villagers were injured when a swarm attacked a funeral procession at Thumbakuppam village in Bangarupalem mandal, Chittoor district, on Friday night. Representative image | According to information, the villagers were returning home after attending the funeral of an elderly woman when a youth allegedly burst a few leftover firecrackers along the route. The explosions disturbed a cluster of beehives on roadside trees, sending thousands of bees swooping down on the unsuspecting crowd within seconds.Several victims suffered multiple bee stings, while others were injured after stumbling and falling in the darkness amid the stampede-like situation. Residents and relatives rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to safety.The victims were admitted to the Primary Health Centre at Thumbakuppam, the Area Hospital at Bangarupalem and the Government Hospital in Chittoor, where doctors treated them for bee stings and other injuries. Hospital sources said none of the injured was in a critical condition.A team of forest officials visited the site, examined the disturbed beehives, and launched an inquiry into the incident. Published - August 01, 2026 04:16 pm IST