Junnar: A swarm of bees attacked tourists visiting Shivneri Fort on Sunday, leaving 47 people injured. The incident occurred during preparations for Shiv Jayanti, which is being celebrated on March 17 as per the Hindu calendar.

According to reports, some young tourists may have provoked the bees by throwing stones at a beehive, while others believe that smoke from torches carried by Shiv Jayanti devotees disturbed the swarm. The attack took place around 9 AM near the Shivai Devi Temple pathway.

Rescue and Medical Assistance

Officials from the Forest Department, Archaeology Department, and Junnar Rescue Team rushed to the scene and helped shift the injured to Chhatrapati Shivaji Rural Hospital in Junnar. Dr. Zahid Hasan treated the victims, with two individuals reported to be seriously injured.

Shivneri Fort was being cleaned as part of an initiative led by MP Nilesh Lanke Pratishthan. Lanke personally visited the hospital to check on the injured. The victims included tourists from Ghatkopar, Rahuri, Ratnagiri, Raigad, Khadakwasla, Dhule, Thane, and Mumbai.

Possible Reasons for the Bee Attack

Experts believe that several factors might have triggered the bee attack:

• Strong fragrances from incense sticks, perfumes, and cosmetics can attract bees.
• Loud noise near beehives can disturb them.
• Cigarette smoke near a hive irritates bees.
• Throwing stones at hives provokes an aggressive response.
• Lighting fires near hives or using selfie sticks near them can also agitate the bees.

Authorities have urged tourists to exercise caution and avoid disturbing natural habitats while visiting historic sites.