An 80-year-old Marana man was taken to the hospital after being stung dozens of times by bees this morning, officials said.
Northwest Fire District received a 911 call at about 8:30 a.m., regarding bee activity in the 13000 block of North Sandario Road, said department spokesman, Capt. Brian Keeley.
The 911 caller reported that one person had been stung multiple times, Keeley said.
Marana Police Department arrived first, so that officers could evaluate the patient and the scene, and several officers were stung by bees in the process, Keeley said.
When they arrived shortly after, Northwest fire crews quickly moved the patient to a nearby enclosed area and began rendering treatment before transporting him to a local hospital in stable condition, Keeley said.
The man was stung "dozens of times," potentially more than 100 times, Keeley said.
Crews used hose lines and firefighting foam to knock down the bees, which Tucson Electric Power crews working nearby were forced to seek shelter in their vehicles.
An "active and aggressive bee presence" remained for nearly two hours before police and fire determined it was safe and contacted an exterminating company to evaluate the scene, Keeley said.
Between firefighters, police officers, TEP employees and nearby residence, its estimated that about 20 people were stung by the bees.
If ever attacked by aggressive bees, seek shelter in an enclosed area, like a home or car. Don't try to outrun the swarm or jump in water to escape and don't hesitate to call 911 immediately, Keeley said.
