Bee crash: Truck carrying 250 million honeybees overturns in Washington state near Canadian border, sheriff says
Share this @internewscast.com

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — There was a buzz in the air Friday in northwestern Washington state as about 250 million honeybees escaped a commercial truck that overturned.

The truck hauling an estimated 70,000 pounds of honeybee hives rolled over around 4 a.m. close to the Canadian border near Lynden, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office said in social media posts.

It appears the driver did not navigate a tight turn well enough, causing the trailer to roll into a ditch, county emergency management spokesperson Amy Cloud said in an email. The driver was uninjured, Cloud said.

Deputies, county public works employees and several bee experts responded to the scene. The box hives later came off the truck, and local beekeepers swarmed to help recover, restore and reset the hives, according to the sheriff’s office.

The plan is to allow the bees to return to their hives and find their queen bee in the next day or two, according to the sheriff’s office. The goal is to save as many of the bees as possible.

“Thank you to the wonderful community of beekeepers: over two dozen showed up to help ensure the rescue of millions of pollinating honey bees would be as successful as possible,” the sheriff’s office post said.

The public was advised to avoid the area on Friday, and sheriff’s deputies dove into in their squad cars at times to avoid being stung.

Honeybees are crucial to the food supply, pollinating over 100 crops including nuts, vegetables, berries, citrus and melons. Bees and other pollinators have been declining for years, and experts blame insecticides, parasites, disease, climate change and lack of a diverse food supply.

In 2018, the U.N. General Assembly sponsored the first “World Bee Day” on May 20 to bring attention to the bees’ plight.

Beekeepers often transport millions of bees from one location to another because leaving them in one location for too long can deplete resources for other pollinators, The Seattle Times reported.

Alan Woods, president of the Washington State Beekeepers Association, told the newspaper the state should have a standardized “emergency bee response” for bee vehicle crashes. In 2015, 14 million bees escaped a truck north of Seattle on Interstate 5 and started stinging people, the newspaper reported at the time.

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
ICE, CBP seize 400 firearms hidden in fake trailer walls at southern border crossing

ICE and CBP Uncover 400 Firearms Concealed in False Trailer Walls at Southern Border Checkpoint

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: In Laredo, Texas, a father and son have been…
Mystery man in dapper suit goes viral after appearing in Louvre heist investigation photo

Stylish Stranger in Suit Captures Internet’s Attention Amid Louvre Heist Probe

That’s quite the eye-catching ensemble. A man who inadvertently became part of…
GOP Nom Ciattarelli Heats Up With an Live On-Air Assist From Trump--and Famous Native NJ Voice Cuts Ad

Trump Lends a Hand: Ciattarelli Gains Momentum with Support from NJ Celebrity Voice

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli is making headway in New Jersey’s election…
Ravens-Bears game today: Baltimore Ravens defeat Chicago Bears 30-16

Ravens Soar Over Bears: Baltimore Clinches Dominant 30-16 Victory – Game Highlights & Analysis

In an impressive display on Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens secured a commanding…
Sea & Sky Air Show powers through impacts from government shutdown, windy conditions

Sea & Sky Air Show Triumphs Over Government Shutdown and Challenging Winds

The Sea and Sky Air Show at Jacksonville Beach wrapped up earlier…
Charlie Kirk inspires Gen Z to trade parties for prayer as college frats spark faith revival, expert says

Charlie Kirk Ignites Faith Revival: Gen Z Swaps College Parties for Prayer as Fraternities Embrace Spiritual Awakening

Fraternity houses across the United States are witnessing a shift from party…
Dublin protesters clash with police, burn vehicle after migrant accused of sexually assaulting Irish girl

Dublin Protests Erupt into Violence Following Allegations of Sexual Assault by Migrant

In a tense escalation of unrest, a police car was set ablaze…
Trump administration announces requirements to pass US citizenship test have increased

Breaking: Trump Administration Tightens US Citizenship Test – What You Need to Know

Aspirants are now required to correctly answer 12 out of 20 questions…
Former Vice President Kamala Harris leaves door open for 2028 presidential run, according to new BBC interview

In a recent BBC interview, Former Vice President Kamala Harris hints at potential 2028 presidential bid.

WASHINGTON — Kamala Harris is keeping her options open for another potential…
Katy Perry, Justin Trudeau spotted holding hands in Paris

Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau Seen Holding Hands in Paris

In a romantic twist that has captivated the public’s attention, pop sensation…
FBI Director Kash Patel plans travel to China in fentanyl crackdown effort

FBI Director Kash Patel to Visit China in Strategic Move to Combat Fentanyl Crisis

FBI Director Kash Patel is scheduled to travel to China next month,…
The Latest: What’s in store for the AP Top 25

Breaking Down the Future of the AP Top 25 Rankings

Anticipate minimal changes at the peak of the AP Top 25 rankings,…