Man killed in bee attack

BANYUMAS, Central Java: Sixty-year-old Samidi of Banjarsari Kulo village in Banyumas regency died from multiple beestings on Sunday.

Two other locals suffered severe injuries from the incident and are being treated at Margono Sukarjo Hospital in Purwokerto.

The incident took place when Samidi went to a nearby forest to collect firewood.

"A wild bee was buzzing around him and Samidi became annoyed and killed it. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a swarm of angry bees attacked us," said Gareng, 40, Samidi's neighbor and a witness.

Gareng and another villager, Suwarto, 35, survived the bee attack by jumping into a pond near the forest.

"When we got out of the water, Samidi had passed out on the ground after he was stung by thousands of bees," Gareng said.

Samidi died shortly after being taken to hospital. (45/edt)