I-15 Crash Victims Swarmed By Bees In Temecula

TEMECULA, CA — A tow truck collided with three cars on southbound I-15, blocking lanes and slowing traffic near the Winchester Road exit for about an hour Thursday afternoon, California Highway Patrol Officers said.

At approximately 3:30 p.m. the tow truck, for reasons that remain under investigation, rear-ended a vehicle, causing it to overturn, Officer Mike Lassig told Patch. It continued on its path and collided with two other vehicles before it came to rest.

CHP officers arrived to find the crash victims outside their cars, and a swarm of bees covered the area.

"Trees on the right shoulder harboring a hive of bees were disturbed due to the crash, leading to the swarm," Lassig said. Cal Fire/Riverside County firefighters also faced the swarm as they arrived at the scene.

No one was stung, according to reports.

All of the crash victims were able to get out of the vehicles on their own, according to a Cal Fire spokesperson. However, the woman and child inside the overturned vehicle suffered mild to moderate injuries and were taken by ambulance to Inland Valley Hospital.

The cause of the crash was being investigated, though speed and distracted driving were considered factors.

"When you drive, keep a high visual horizon and a safe space cushion between you and the vehicle in front of you," he said. "Don't drive distracted. Be ready to apply brakes in high-traffic areas."

And always watch out for bees.