UP: Umpire dies, several players injured in bee attack during cricket match
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Unnao: A 65-year-old umpire died, and several players were injured after a swarm of bees attacked them during a cricket match in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district, police said on Thursday.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at Sapru Maidan in the Shuklaganj area. The match was organised by the Kanpur Cricket Association, a senior office-bearer of the association confirmed.
According to police officials, Manik Gupta, a resident of Kanpur, was officiating as umpire when a swarm of bees suddenly descended on the ground, attacking players and officials and triggering panic. Players and spectators ran for cover in an attempt to escape the stings.
Eyewitnesses said Gupta sustained serious injuries in the attack and fell unconscious. He was first taken to a private hospital in Shuklaganj and later referred to Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital in Kanpur as his condition worsened. Doctors there declared him dead.
Another umpire and around 15 to 20 players also suffered bee stings in the incident, police added.
Confirming the incident, S N Singh, president of the Kanpur Cricket Association, told PTI that Gupta died after being attacked by the swarm during the match. Singh said bees were still clinging to Gupta’s face and body when he was being rushed to hospital, highlighting the severity of the attack.
He expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the association and said it stands firmly with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.
With PTI inputs
