In the United States, a truck accident leads to the escape of 250 million bees – April 13, 2025

A commercial truck carrying an estimated 70,000 pounds of honeybee hives overturned in northwestern Washington state near the Canadian border, releasing an estimated 250 million bees according to Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. The accident occurred on Friday. Authorities have closed roads in the region and are enlisting the help of bee experts to clean up the mess and save as many bees as possible. While the bees will be given time to return to their hives and find their queen, their escape poses potential risks to people in the area who are being advised to avoid it. Honeybees play a critical role in pollination, pollinating over 100 types of crops, including nuts, vegetables, berries, citrus, and melons. However, they along with other pollinators have faced numerous threats, including insecticides, parasites, disease, climate change, and lack of diverse food supplies, leading to declining numbers which could impact agriculture and food security.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/250-million-bees-escape-after-truck-overturns-in-us/a-72741896?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf