Beltangady: Wild Bee Attack at Gadaikallu Hill - Hundreds of Devotees Stung
Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (PS)
Beltangady, Mar 31: A wild bee attack on Friday March 30 marred the solemn observance of the last Friday before Good Friday, when Catholics offer Stations of the Cross on the Gadaikallu hill or Jamalabad in Nada village.
Hundreds of devotees were stung by the bees, and many of them are said to be serious.
The incident occured when a large group of devotees from in and around the region were climbing the hill. Devotees in three different vehicles started their journey towards the hill at 3 pm.
Some of them had reached a higher level while others were still at the bottom. All of a sudden, a swarm of wild bees attacked those at the bottom of the hill. Even children who were among the group were stung.
Six people suffered serious injuries. The devotees who had reached the peak remained there for more than four hours fearing for their lives.
The route was narrow and there was no scope for escape. The group included women, children and elders. As the bees hovered around the area, people could not move.
Five or six people were shifted to Badyar hospital in an ambulance. Private vehicle were also used to transport the injured to hospital. Ashwin, son of Molly in Manjotti was one among six critically injured.
People in the village rushed to their help and provided first aid. Police, fire and forest officials were informed. People from all communities worked together to save the devotees.
The Catholics observe the tradition of offering Stations of the Cross at the hill every year under the guidance of Holy Redeemer Church, Beltangady.