Firefighters in North Carolina came to the rescue Friday not for a blaze, but for a truckload of agitated honeybees. The unusual incident unfolded on Interstate 95 in Gaston when a tractor-trailer hauling 130 pallets of beehives developed a flat tire during 80-degree heat.
The truck driver found himself in a sticky situation when the honeybees became increasingly agitated as he attempted to change the tire. Recognizing the potential danger, he called local firefighters for assistance with the buzzing cargo.
“In order for the flat tire to be replaced, the bees had to be calmed down and that is where our part came in,” Gaston Fire and Rescue explained in a Facebook post detailing the May 16 incident.
The firefighters employed an ingenious solution to the problem. “We used bursts of water in a fog pattern to help cool the hives, which in turn calmed the bees,” they continued in their social media update.
The cooling technique proved effective. Once the bees settled down, the driver successfully changed the flat tire and resumed his journey.
Transporting live bees presents unique challenges for truck drivers, particularly during warmer weather when hives can overheat. This incident demonstrates the unexpected situations drivers sometimes face on the road.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident. The honeybees, now cooled and calmer, continued their journey northward to New York state, where they’ll spend the summer months.
The collaborative effort between the quick-thinking truck driver and responsive firefighters ensured both the safety of those involved and the well-being of the valuable insect cargo.