YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — A tractor trailer truck tipped over in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) on the morning of Tuesday, June 16, with a precarious load that spilled all over the roadside.
The truck was carrying dozens of crates of bees.
Information on the accident is sparse, though news outlets say the crash took place just inside the western edge of the park on US191, near mile marker 17, around 8 a.m. East Idaho News reported that YNP staff responded to the scene and was working with owners to recuperate as many bees as possible. It was also stated that people in white beekeeping suits were seen walking through the debris.
According to reporting by KPAX in Missoula, Montana, 250 million bees were let loose. A Gallatin County sheriff’s deputy was stung nine times while directing traffic at the crash site. The Washington Times said that the company that owns the beehives could be facing a significant loss.
Videos on social media showed the bee debris spread out on the road near the overturned tractor trailer. East Idaho News also attributed a statement to YNP at the time that said, “Although the highway remains open, expect delays and traffic control measures as cleanup and mitigation work continue at the site of the accident.” YNP did not return a request for comment from Buckrail.
