A group of hornets attacked hikers in the Dakeng Scenic Area of Taichung City yesterday evening. Near the 800-meter mark of the No. 4 hiking trail, a swarm of hornets suddenly appeared, causing around 20 to 30 hikers to flee in panic. In total, three children and six adults were stung, with the most severely injured having about seven or eight stings. Fortunately, all victims were out of life-threatening danger after being rushed to hospital. To prevent further attacks, the No. 4 trail has been temporarily closed.
A 37-year-old hiker surnamed Lin described how the incident unfolded. Around 4 p.m. yesterday, he was hiking alone on the No. 4 trail in Dakeng. As it was a holiday, there were many other hikers on the trail. When he reached a point about 800 meters from the trailhead, he suddenly saw a hiker ahead shaking their head continuously and flailing their arms wildly. Before he could figure out what was happening, the person turned and ran back, shouting “There are hornets!”
Dr. Hsu Yu-jung, director of the Emergency Department at China Medical University Hospital, said that among the eight injured, the most seriously hurt had been stung seven or eight times, mostly on their limbs and head and neck areas. All patients were conscious upon arrival. Those with minor injuries were treated with ice packs, while more serious cases received anti-allergy medication and were kept under observation for four to six hours. None were in life-threatening condition after treatment. Some patients sent to Ciji Hospital experienced vomiting but were also fine after treatment.
It is still unclear what species of bee was responsible for the attack, but according to the victims, the insects were about four to five centimeters long, and hornets are the most likely culprits. Zeng Zhengxian, captain of the Dongshan Fire Station, said that last night they attempted to send personnel into the trail to locate the hive but were unsuccessful. For now, the No. 4 trail remains closed.