A central Phoenix neighborhood turned into a sudden emergency scene Saturday when a swarm of bees repeatedly stung a man, sending him to the hospital, authorities said. Fire crews found him near 7th Street and Thomas Road, conscious and breathing but with multiple stings. Officials did not immediately release his condition after he was transported.
According to 12 News, the Phoenix Fire Department said firefighters treated the man at the scene before taking him to a hospital. The outlet reported crews found him alert and breathing and confirmed he had been stung multiple times.
Another local account complicates the picture. ABC15 reports that a hive at a vacant house next door to the victim’s home apparently drew the swarm and, in that version of events, the man was not transported to a hospital. The conflicting early reports are a reminder that details around fast-moving emergencies often shift as more information comes in.
Part of a larger spike in Valley bee calls
The central Phoenix incident is the latest in a string of serious bee run-ins around the Valley this month. In one widely reported case, a hiker on Lookout Mountain was stung more than 100 times and had to be airlifted to a hospital. The Guardian and other outlets have noted that an unusually warm winter is being linked to increased bee activity across the region.
What firefighters are telling people
Fire officials are urging residents to play it safe around bees. They advise people not to disturb hives, to skip scented products when spending time outdoors and to wear light-colored clothing. If a swarm heads your way, they say to run away quickly and protect your head and face. AccuWeather reports that Phoenix Fire also recommends covering your mouth and avoiding attempts to swat or fight the bees.
If you see an active hive or a swarm near homes or other buildings, officials say you should contact a licensed beekeeper or pest control company rather than try to handle it yourself. If someone is stung many times or shows signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or loss of consciousness, call 911 immediately.
City officials ask residents to report non-emergency bee swarms through the appropriate non-emergency line unless someone is hurt and needs urgent help. We will update this story if city fire or hospital officials release more information about the patient’s condition.
