51 Pupils Hospitalised After Bee Swarm Attack at Bulawayo Primary School

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe – Fifty-one pupils at Barham Green Primary School were injured after a swarm of bees attacked learners on Friday afternoon, forcing emergency services to temporarily close the school and a nearby road while rescue efforts were carried out. The incident triggered a swift response from the Bulawayo Fire Brigade and emergency medical teams, with dozens of affected children rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo confirmed that 51 learners were stung during the attack, with some experiencing severe reactions that required urgent medical attention.

Witnesses described scenes of panic as pupils scrambled for safety while teachers and school staff worked to protect learners from the aggressive swarm.

Authorities dispatched four ambulances to the scene to transport the injured pupils to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for assessment and treatment. Firefighters were also deployed and used hose reels to disperse the bees and secure the school grounds. The scale of the incident prompted emergency services to temporarily shut down the road outside the school to facilitate access for ambulances and rescue personnel.

The bee attack caused significant disruption to learning activities as emergency teams worked to contain the situation and ensure the safety of pupils and staff. Parents and guardians were informed of the incident while medical personnel monitored learners who had suffered multiple stings or displayed signs of allergic reactions. Bee stings can cause symptoms ranging from pain and swelling to more serious complications, including breathing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, and anaphylactic shock in severe cases.

After firefighters successfully dispersed the swarm and authorities declared the area safe, normal operations gradually resumed at the school. All affected pupils received medical attention, and no fatalities were reported. The cause of the attack was not immediately established, although experts note that bees can become highly aggressive when their hive is disturbed or when environmental conditions trigger defensive behaviour. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by bee swarms, particularly in areas where schools, residential communities, and public spaces are located close to natural habitats. Authorities have urged schools and communities to report the presence of large bee colonies near public areas to allow for safe removal and prevent similar incidents.

Bee swarm attack Barham Green Primary School