Trending Topics

Firefighters rescue 2 hikers swarmed by bees, 1 hiker dead at scene

Firefighters wore white suits to shield the bee attacks that left 1 of the hikers dead; the men had been stung more than 300 times

The Associated Press

PHOENIX — A hiker died Monday after he was attacked by a swarm of bees and fell about 150 feet off a cliff at a popular recreation area in Phoenix, authorities said.

Phoenix Fire Department officials say the man was pronounced dead at the scene in the Echo Canyon area of Camelback Mountain.

Two other hikers were airlifted out after each was stung about 300 times. Paramedics said both men were hospitalized in serious but stable condition and expected to recover.

Fire officials said the three men were attacked by bees about 3:45 p.m. on a trail near Ice Box Canyon. The two survivors hid in a small crevice to avoid the swarm until rescuers arrived.

Some of the rescue workers wore white protective suits to keep them from also being stung.

The names and ages of the hikers weren’t immediately released.