Bee swarm attack at Sinhagad fort injures several tourists, Toddler among victims

An unexpected bee swarm attack at the historic Sinhagad Fort in Pune district left several tourists injured on Sunday afternoon, triggering panic among visitors at the popular hilltop destination. Officials said at least eight people, including a toddler , sustained injuries after being stung by bees near a crowded section of the fort.

The incident occurred between 2 pm and 2.30 pm near the samadhi of Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare , one of the most frequently visited spots on the fort. According to preliminary information from forest officials, a tourist allegedly threw a stone at a beehive , disturbing the insects and provoking the swarm.

Eyewitnesses said the individual who allegedly hurled the stone ran towards a crowded area to escape , causing the bees to follow and sting several other visitors nearby. The sudden attack led to chaos as tourists scrambled to take cover.

Among those seriously injured were 67-year-old Satara resident Nandkumar Gharge and a one-and-a-half-year-old child, Yuwash Sonar . The injured were first rushed to the Primary Health Centre in Khanapur , after which some were shifted to nearby multi-speciality hospitals depending on the severity of their condition. Medical experts note that while a few bee stings are usually manageable , receiving around 50 to 100 stings can become life-threatening for adults , while children and the elderly may face serious complications with far fewer stings , especially if they suffer an allergic reaction.

Volunteers from Haveli Aapatti Vyavasthapan , a rescue group that assists during emergencies at forts in the Pune region, said they quickly reached the site after receiving information about the incident. Team members helped move the injured tourists in private vehicles to nearby medical facilities.

While officials confirmed seven to eight injuries , volunteer rescuers claimed that as many as 25 to 27 tourists may have been affected by the bee attack. Range Forest Officer Manoj Barbole said forest department personnel and disaster management teams responded promptly. As a precautionary measure, vehicular movement on the Sinhagad Ghat road was temporarily halted to avoid further disturbance in the area.

Authorities said the situation was brought under control by around 6 pm , and visitors were advised to remain cautious around wildlife habitats at the fort.