Umpire dies, several injured as Bee swarm attacks Cricket match in Unnao

A 65-year-old umpire died and several players were injured after a sudden swarm of bees attacked a cricket match at Sapru Maidan in the Shuklaganj area of Unnao district on Wednesday evening, police said.

The deceased, Manik Gupta of Kanpur, was officiating at the match organised by the Kanpur Cricket Association when the bees descended on the ground without warning, triggering panic among players and spectators.

Eyewitnesses said Gupta suffered multiple stings, collapsed unconscious and was rushed first to a private hospital in Shuklaganj before being referred to Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital in Kanpur, where doctors declared him dead. Another umpire and around 15 to 20 players were also stung and treated at nearby hospitals.

Confirming the incident, KCA president S.N. Singh said that the attack was extremely intense, with bees still clinging to Gupta’s face and body while he was being taken to hospital. The association expressed condolences and support to the bereaved family.

Doctors said bee attacks can become fatal due to multiple stings and venom exposure , which may cause toxic reactions or anaphylactic shock , especially in elderly persons. Police are probing what disturbed the bees and have asked local authorities to review safety measures at sports venues to prevent similar incidents.