Dozens of South African children were admitted to hospital after a swarm of bees attacked 161 pupils in the courtyard of Matlapeng Primary School in Soshanguve, Pretoria.
The attack occurred on Tuesday October 25, 2022 after some pupils allegedly agitated a beehive in a small tree in the courtyard.
“It is believed that the swarm of bees had rapidly turned into a cloud, stinging children in the courtyard and those walking to class,” Netcare 911 communications officer Shawn Herbst said.
When paramedics arrived on the scene, the Gauteng government’s Emergency Medical Service (EMS) was already triaging pupils.
“Medics assessed the group of pupils who sustained minor to moderate injuries from exposure to bee stings.”
He said there were a few pupils who experienced allergic reactions to the bee stings, which were considered moderate.
“All the patients were treated on the scene and, once stabilised, were transported to the hospital for further assessment,” Herbst added.
The pupils have since been discharged.
Questions have been sent to the Gauteng Department of Education and a response will be added once received.