Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur

Puttur, Jun 14: In a freak incident on Friday, a massive banyan tree uprooted by strong winds and rain fell across a road near the Government Higher Primary School in Menala, bringing traffic to a standstill for nearly four hours. However, what started as a roadblock soon turned dangerous when thousands of bees hidden inside the tree attacked locals during the clearance operation.

The decades-old banyan tree collapsed along with its roots, damaging a nearby electric pole and snapping power lines, which led to a temporary electricity outage in the area. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported.

The tree’s fall caused severe disruption, stranding private and government buses, cars, and jeeps. Several school and college students, along with the general public, faced inconvenience. Some vehicles managed to bypass the block by taking alternative routes.

During the process of removing the tree, a terrifying twist unfolded. As workers began sawing the thick trunk, a swarm of wild bees nesting inside the hollow began to attack those nearby.

Abdul Menasinakane, the SDMC president of the school, was stung on his head and face, sustaining injuries. He was rushed to a private hospital in Eshwaramangala for treatment.

As the aggressive bees began to hover around the school premises, authorities immediately declared a holiday to ensure the safety of the students and staff.

Local youth and residents joined hands to clear the fallen tree and restore smooth traffic flow. Following this, branches and parts of another nearby tree, which posed a potential risk, were also removed as a precautionary measure.

The operation was carried out in the presence of elected representatives from Nettanige Munnur gram panchayat, MESCOM officials, and other local authorities.