Million bees killed in crash

MORE THAN a million honeybees have been killed in a road accident in Tarn – with survivors angrily buzzing rescue teams.

The crash between a car and a van on the D903 near Saussenac saw dozens of hives in the back of the van crushed, with each containing about 20,000 bees.

Beekeeper Dominique Miras told La Dépêche that he had 72 hives in the van and most of the one and a half million bees had been killed when they were smashed open by the shock.

“At this time of year the frames are empty and the nectar is liquid. The bees were stuck in it like glue. »

Once the hives cracked open a few tens of thousands of bees were able to fly free – and they ended up attacking rescuers as they tried to get the injured car driver out of his vehicle.

Mr Miras estimated the damage at about €7,000 but the major loss was the months of work that was lost as well as the honey production.