two cyclists suffered a violent attack by hornets

Sunday August 21, in the Bois de Joux, near Roanne (Loire)two men riding bicycles were bitten by hornets 50 times. At least a dozen firefighters were mobilized to help people, aged 51 and 72. One of the two individuals is still in intensive care, and the two victims are in absolute emergency. “He was half conscious (…), there was a big respiratory problem. The tension was unstoppable“, declares Thierry Pierson, firefighter doctor.

The hornets emerged from a nest that was perched in a tree, about two meters above the ground. Such an attack is not usual, since these insects sting only to defend themselves. At the time of the sting, the hornets discharge a venom which can cause pain or inflammation as well as paralysis, in the worst case. Thus, with many bites, the health risks are much higher. This summer 2022, there is a strong presence of bees and hornets.