A tragic incident unfolded during a local cricket match in Unnao district when a sudden swarm of bees attacked players, officials, and umpires on the field, resulting in the death of a 65-year-old umpire and injuries to around 15-20 players. The attack occurred on Wednesday evening at Sapru Maidan (also referred to as Sapru Stadium or Sapru Ground) in the Shuklaganj area, during an under-13 or KDMA league match between teams YMCC and Paramount, organized by the Kanpur Cricket Association (KCA).

The deceased umpire, identified as Manik Gupta from Kanpur's Pheelkhana locality, was officiating the game when the bees descended unexpectedly, causing widespread panic. Gupta sustained severe stings and fell unconscious; he was rushed to a private hospital in Shuklaganj and later referred to Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Reports indicate bees were still clinging to his face and body as he was being transported, highlighting the ferocity of the swarm. Gupta, a senior member of the KCA panel with nearly three decades of experience, is survived by his wife and four daughters.

Another umpire and approximately 15-20 players, many of them children wearing white t-shirts, were also stung during the chaos. Victims scrambled for cover or ran to safety as the bees targeted those on the field, halting the match immediately. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, though no further fatalities were reported among the players. The sudden nature of the attack left participants and spectators in shock, with the incident underscoring rare but dangerous environmental hazards in outdoor sports.

Also Read: Macron Lauds India: "Built What No Other Country Can" In Digital Revolution

KCA President S N Singh confirmed the details to media outlets, expressing sorrow over Gupta's passing and acknowledging the unexpected disruption to the game. Police officials noted that the swarm triggered a frantic response on the ground, with no prior warning or apparent trigger mentioned in initial reports. Such bee swarms, while uncommon in cricket, have occasionally interrupted play in the past due to disturbed hives nearby.

The tragedy has drawn attention to safety measures at local grounds, particularly in semi-urban areas where wildlife encounters can occur. The match was abandoned, and investigations into the incident continue as authorities and the cricket association assess the circumstances. This unfortunate event serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable risks faced by participants in grassroots sports.

Also Read: Sam Altman, Dario Amodei Avoid Hand-Hold in Symbolic Unity Pose at Delhi AI Summit