Hornets attack wine festival, 13 in hospital
September 3, 2018
A German wine festival celebrating the final weeks of summer instead ended with 13 people needing hospital treatment, after a swarm of hornets decided to crash the party.
Emergency services were called to the town of Weingarten, near Karlsruhe, on Sunday after festivalgoers were attacked by a vicious swarm of hornets. Eighteen people were injured, 13 of whom required medical treatment, authorities said.
No children were hurt in the incident and none of the injuries are thought to be life-threatening.
Two rapid response teams were called to the area to help the panicked crowd. Among the rescue forces was a hornet specialist, who was called in to ensure the hornet nest was properly moved. The entire festival area remained closed off to the public by Sunday evening.
Hornets are a protected species in Germany and their nests may only be moved with official approval.
Hornet attacks can be particularly dangerous for individuals suffering from allergic reactions, in which case a sting might lead to circulatory arrest.
It is not the first time a swarm of hornets made headlines in Germany this summer. A few weeks ago, groups of pensioners were attacked during a hiking trip. Eight people were hurt and required medical treatment.