Truck carrying 1 million bees crashes on Tennessee highway
A truck carrying about 1 million bees crashed on Interstate 40 in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 17. The crash released massive swarms of bees onto an interstate exit ramp, forcing traffic delays.
A beekeeping truck carrying approximately 1 million bees crashed Friday on Interstate 40 near the Tennessee-North Carolina border in Knoxville. The accident released massive swarms of bees onto an exit ramp, creating unusual traffic conditions.
Travelers were forced to stop as workers dealt with clouds of bees, including drones and possibly queen bees. The Tennessee Department of Transportation had to manage the cleanup operation while keeping drivers safe from the swarms.
Commercial beekeepers regularly transport millions of bees across the country to pollinate crops. These trucks carry wooden boxes called hives that can break open during crashes, releasing entire bee colonies onto roadways.
The crash occurred near the state line, a common route for beekeepers moving between agricultural areas. Details about injuries or the cause of the crash are still emerging.
Bee truck crashes can create dangerous driving conditions and disrupt traffic for hours. The incident also highlights the risks faced by commercial beekeepers who transport millions of bees across highways for crop pollination.
Highway crews will clear remaining bee colonies and reopen all traffic lanes.
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