Giant honeybee swarm attacks KSRTC bus in Kerala, injures 17 passengers
A KSRTC bus with 58 passengers was attacked by giant honeybees near Gavi in Kerala's Periyar Tiger Reserve, leaving 17 people injured.
17 injured as giant honeybees swarm KSRTC bus near Gavi in Keralam
A KSRTC bus carrying 58 people came under attack from a swarm of giant honeybees near Kozhikanam, close to the Vallakkadavu checkpost in Vandiperiyar within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, leaving seventeen persons injured. The incident unfolded around 11 a.m. on Monday (September 21, 2026).
Attack triggered at narrow road stretch
The bus had departed Pathanamthitta at 5.30 a.m. for Kumily via Gavi. After passing Gavi, the driver stopped at a narrow stretch of road to give way to an oncoming car. Within moments, a swarm of bees surged into the bus, sending passengers into panic. Passengers hurriedly shut the windows and shutters, but the bees began stinging them relentlessly. Several passengers jumped off the bus and fled, only to be chased by the swarm and stung again.
Rescue hampered by remote location
Bus driver Rassaq, who was also injured in the attack, managed to reach the Vallakkadavu forest checkpost in a passing pickup jeep and alert the authorities. A team of forest personnel soon rushed to the spot in a bus and a jeep and evacuated the injured to nearby hospitals. Forest officials said the remote location, where there was no mobile phone coverage, posed a challenge in the rescue operation.
Medical response
The injured were taken to the community health centre at Vandiperiyar and the Peerumade taluk hospital for treatment. Ten of them were later shifted to the Peerumade hospital, while seven others left for Pathanamthitta on another KSRTC bus from Kumily around 1.30 p.m.. The bus was carrying 58 people on board, including the crew.
Source: The Hindu
Frequently asked questions
What happened to the KSRTC bus near Gavi in Kerala?
A KSRTC bus carrying 58 people was attacked by a swarm of giant honeybees near Kozhikanam on September 21, 2026, around 11 a.m., injuring 17 passengers. The swarm entered the bus when the driver stopped at a narrow road stretch to give way to an oncoming car.
How many people were injured in the honeybee attack?
17 passengers were injured in the attack. Ten of them were shifted to Peerumade hospital, while seven others left for Pathanamthitta on another KSRTC bus later that day.
Where was the bus traveling when the attack occurred?
The bus had departed from Pathanamthitta at 5:30 a.m. bound for Kumily via Gavi. The attack occurred near Vallakkadavu checkpost within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, in a remote area with no mobile phone coverage.
What challenges did rescue operations face?
The remote location of the incident, which had no mobile phone coverage, posed a significant challenge to rescue operations. Forest personnel had to be alerted by the bus driver through a passing pickup jeep before evacuating the injured to nearby hospitals.
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