At least 25 visitors were injured after a swarm of bees attacked people at Sinhagad Fort near Pune on Sunday afternoon. Eight injured persons required hospitalisation. The Forest Department evacuated the fort and closed entry for the day after the incident, which occurred around 2.30 pm near the historic ammunition storage area.
Incident Details
The bees were believed to have come from a hive near the fort’s ammunition storage space. Officials said the swarm became agitated for unknown reasons and attacked nearby visitors. The injured were shifted to hospitals in ambulances and private vehicles. A one-and-a-half-year-old boy and a 68-year-old man were among the seriously injured, though both were said to be out of immediate danger.
Emergency Response
Teams from the Forest Department, district disaster management unit and local volunteers responded quickly. The area was cleared to prevent further attacks. Officials began assessing the situation to decide whether the fort could be reopened the next day. The closure was intended to ensure visitor safety and allow inspection of the affected zone.
Recurring Bee Incidents at Hill Forts
Similar attacks have been reported earlier at historic forts near Pune. At Shivneri Fort in February last year, several visitors were injured during a bee attack. In March 2022, a larger swarm injured around 200 people at the same fort. Such incidents are often linked to human disturbance, strong smells, smoke and rising temperatures, which can agitate bee colonies.
Safety Concerns at Heritage Sites
The incident marks the need for stronger crowd management and environmental precautions at heritage forts. Authorities often face the challenge of balancing tourism access with safety, especially in areas where bee hives and sensitive natural habitats are present.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026