local
Millions of bees escape after semitruck hauling beehives overturns, authorities say
By Rusty Surette, Debra Worley at KGNS — Sitewide
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
MAURICEVILLE, Texas (KBTX/Gray News) – Nearly 2 million bees escaped Sunday after a semitruck hauling beehives overturned in a rural part of southeast Texas. Photos shared online by Christie Ray of Queen Bee Supply show beekeepers and first responders working together to secure the area where the...
Key takeaway Orange County Emergency Services District 4 shared posts on Facebook warning residents to stay indoors as crews worked to load the beehives onto other transport trucks.
Why this matters in The Laredo
The bee escape in Mauriceville, Texas, has significant implications for local beekeepers and farmers in the Laredo area. Although the incident occurred in southeast Texas, it highlights the risks associated with transporting beehives, which is a common practice in Webb County. Many local farmers rely on bees for pollination, and the loss of nearly 2 million bees could have a ripple effect on the local agricultural industry. The fact that the beehives will be taken to a local honey farm suggests that the bees are valued for their honey production, which is also an important industry in the Laredo area. As the beehives are relocated, it will be crucial to monitor the situation and ensure that the bees do not cause any further disruptions to the local community. The cooperation between beekeepers and first responders in securing the area is a positive sign, and similar protocols may be useful in the event of a similar incident in Laredo.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? MAURICEVILLE, Texas (KBTX/Gray News) – Nearly 2 million bees escaped Sunday after a semitruck hauling beehives overturned in a rural part of southeast Texas. Photos shared online by Christie Ray of Queen Bee Supply show beekeepers and first responders working together to secure the area where the...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rusty Surette, Debra Worley at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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