"A pile of destroyed hives and angry bees in a radius of about 10 meters."
A truck carrying hundreds of bee hives overturned on the Warrego Highway at Womalilla, Queensland, at around 3:30 am on Wednesday, causing a chaotic scene for emergency responders.
The driver, a 39-year-old man from Meringandan, sustained minor injuries and was taken to Mitchell Hospital for treatment.
Approximately 360 bee hives were damaged in the crash, releasing a large swarm of bees into the area. A Queensland Fire Department spokesperson confirmed the escape, prompting the closure of one lane of the highway.
State Emergency Service volunteer Wayne Bryant, who was directing traffic at the scene, described the conditions. "There was a pile of destroyed hives," he said. "And angry bees in a radius of about 10 meters around the truck."
Bryant advised motorists to remain cautious. "Keep your windows closed," he warned.
Fire crews remained on site for roughly two hours to clean up leaked fuel and manage the scene.
The highway has since reopened, and authorities have not reported any further incidents involving the released bees.