The Oregon State Patrol had to deal with one of the most unusual accidents in years over the weekend.

Shortly before 9 p.m. Saturday night, a semi-truck loaded with beehives overturned about 16 miles North of Madras (less than 30 miles north of Bend, Oregon).

52-year-old Martin Garcia of California was piloting the flatbed semi when he swerved to avoid an animal in the road. The truck tipped, blocking the highway. The Oregon State Patrol decided it would be safer to remove the truck unit, then move the flatbed off the road and retrieve the live insect cargo later. The number of beehives on the flatbed was not known, but fortunately officials say the hives were securely mounted and did not come loose or break open.

It was expected the bee cargo would be picked up sometime Sunday. Because of chilly night temperatures, it is possible few of the bees have survived. Garcia was cited for failure to maintain a lane of travel.

Semi loaded with live beehives tips over on Oregon highway
(Oregon State Patrol)
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