Knoxville, Tenn: A highway crash involving a truck transporting approximately 1 million bees caused an unusual and chaotic scene on Interstate 40 in Knoxville on Friday, temporarily shutting down a major exit ramp and drawing emergency response teams in protective gear.
According to wlos.com, the truck overturned near the Henley Street exit, releasing multiple beehives onto the roadway. Within minutes, a dense swarm of bees filled the area, forcing authorities to close the ramp and divert traffic while responders worked to secure the scene.
Drivers were instructed to remain inside their vehicles or avoid the area entirely unless properly protected, as the airborne swarm created hazardous conditions for anyone nearby.
The incident prompted a coordinated response from emergency crews and local beekeepers, who arrived in specialized protective suits to recover the displaced colonies.
Despite the dramatic nature of the crash, no serious injuries were reported. The truck sustained significant damage, and efforts to safely relocate the bees continued for several hours before the area was cleared and reopened to traffic.
Officials noted that transporting bees is a delicate process, as commercial pollination often requires moving large numbers of hives across long distances. While rare, accidents involving live bee transport can result in large-scale releases like the one seen in Knoxville.
Authorities have not yet released details on what caused the crash, and an investigation is ongoing.
The scene, described by witnesses as “a buzzing cloud over the highway,” has since been contained, with most of the bees successfully recovered and returned to managed hives.
Video Credit; wbir.com
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