By: Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
A road construction worker was killed and another critically injured on Wednesday afternoon after a swarm of Africanised bees attacked them at Suraj Street, Triumph, East Coast Demerara.
The deceased has been identified as 29-year-old Winston Semple, a contractor of Prince William Street, Plaisance, while the injured man, 40-year-old Glendon Simpson of Non Pareil, remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Both men were part of a crew contracted by the Ministry of Public Works to carry out road reconstruction work in the area. Around 3:00 p.m., while operating heavy machinery near a wooded lot, the workers were suddenly ambushed by a large swarm of bees.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with workers running for their lives and some jumping into nearby trenches to escape. One witness recalled, “One of the guys shouted ‘Bees!’ and everyone just ran… Some of them dove into the trench to save themselves.”
Preliminary investigations suggest the bees’ nest was disturbed when a worker clearing a nearby area lit a fire, triggering the deadly swarm.
Public-spirited citizens managed to pull Simpson from a trench and rush him to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where he is battling for his life. Semple, however, was pronounced dead on arrival.
Authorities are continuing their investigations into the tragic incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community.
