A tranquil summer day in Aurillac, a charming town in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, turned chaotic when a swarm of bees attacked residents and visitors. The incident, reported by The Associated Press, resulted in 24 people being injured, with three individuals in critical condition. The attack unfolded over a 30-minute period on Sunday, causing panic among those present. Aurillac, home to approximately 26,000 people as of 2022 according to the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies, was unprepared for such an unusual event. Mayor Pierre Mathonier informed a local broadcaster that the critically injured individuals are now showing signs of recovery. Among them was a 78-year-old who suffered cardiorespiratory arrest and required resuscitation. Fortunately, this individual is now stable, while the other two have been reported to be in good health. The mayor speculated that the bees’ aggression might have increased over the years. He recalled an incident over a decade ago when Asian hornets disturbed a beehive on a hotel rooftop. Lt. Col. Michel Cayla, head of the local fire services, described the attack as “impressive” due to the number of victims and the severity of some injuries. Bee stings typically cause minor symptoms such as sharp pain, welts, and swelling, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, severe reactions can occur, leading to significant health risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted an annual average of 62 deaths from bee and hornet stings in the United States between 2000 and 2017. Following the attack, the beehive responsible was safely removed and relocated outside Aurillac to prevent further incidents. This event highlights the potential dangers posed by bee swarms and underscores the importance of preparedness for such natural occurrences.