Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady

Beltangady, Feb 19: A shocking incident occurred at Kakkinje Government Upgraded Higher Primary School, where a swarm of bees attacked schoolchildren.

The incident took place after the morning prayer when students were returning to their classrooms. Suddenly, a swarm of bees attacked them. The headmistress, Soujanya, along with the teaching staff, acted swiftly by directing students inside and shutting the windows and doors. Despite these measures, 14 students sustained bee stings.

The affected students are Avsina (6), Afeej (12), Shabith (11), Rafa (7), Nida (13), Shabel (13), Iddeesh (13), Faseeth (11), Mubashir (6), Ismail (12), Sulaiman (12), Rihaan (13), Sawaad (13), and Ziyaad (13). Additionally, Varija, a kitchen assistant who attempted to rescue the students, was also stung. All of them were treated at a private hospital in Kakkinje.

The school, which has 97 students from grades 1 to 8, had already witnessed a bee attack on Monday, during which School Development Committee president Abdul Khader was stung. As a precaution, the school was closed for the day. Following Tuesday’s incident, another holiday was declared.

DRFO Nagesh from the forest department, along with former students and parents, rushed to the school and assisted in taking the injured students to the hospital.

A massive beehive was found on a tree near the school. It is suspected that birds or miscreants may have disturbed the hive, triggering the attack. The forest department has informed that efforts will be made to disperse the bees using smoke at night with the help of locals.

“The affected children received appropriate medical care and are now out of danger. Former students and local residents played a crucial role in ensuring the children's safety. The forest department has inspected the site and assured that necessary measures will be taken to remove the bees,” said Tarakesari, block education officer, Beltangady.