**Massive Swarm of Bees Escapes After Truck Overturns in Washington State**

A significant bee emergency unfolded in Washington state on Friday when an estimated 250 million bees were set loose following a truck accident. The vehicle, hauling approximately 70,000 pounds (31,750 kg) of active honey bee hives, overturned near the Canadian border, prompting urgent warnings from authorities to avoid the area.

The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) swiftly responded, emphasizing the goal to save as many bees as possible. "250 million bees are now loose," the office announced, stressing the potential danger of bee swarms in the vicinity. The affected site will remain inaccessible until the bee rescue mission is completed, according to officials.

Several master beekeepers quickly joined emergency responders on the scene, working meticulously to re-set the box hives, which serve as housing for the honeybees. "The plan is to allow the bees to re-hive and find their queen bee," stated WCSO, adding that this process should take between 24 to 48 hours.

The collaborative rescue effort saw over two dozen beekeepers contributing their expertise. In an update shared later on Friday, police thanked these "wonderful" community members and expressed optimism that most bees would return to their hives by morning.

Video footage released by authorities showcased the extraordinary sight of millions of bees swarming around the overturned truck. This incident highlights the critical role many beekeepers play, not just in honey production but also in supporting agriculture by renting out hives for crop pollination.