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Incident Record

Ranch land-clearing operation with two bulldozers knocked down bee tree; one worker died and another was hospitalized

OSHA reported that two workers clearing ranch land by dragging a long anchor chain between two Caterpillar bulldozers knocked down a tree containing a hive; one worker died after about 30 stings and another worker who ran to help was hospitalized for multiple stings.

Record ID: TX-UVALDE-1996-0515
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This record is part of a first-pass incident research dataset. Records, categories, and source notes may be updated as additional information is reviewed and verified.
Date 1996-05-15
Location Sabinal area ranch land-clearing site, Uvalde County, TX
State TX
Record Type Occupational Incident
Trigger / Activity Tree Work / Landscaping / Brush Clearing
Severity Fatality / Hospitalized
Bee ID Status Bee ID Unknown
Aggression Classification Outdoor-work defensive bee attack / hidden-colony disturbance

Incident Summary

OSHA reported that two workers clearing ranch land by dragging a long anchor chain between two Caterpillar bulldozers knocked down a tree containing a hive; one worker died after about 30 stings and another worker who ran to help was hospitalized for multiple stings.

Public-Safety Lesson

Land-clearing contracts need explicit hidden-colony hazard procedures, enclosed cabs where possible, and rules against unprotected rescue attempts into active swarms.

Impact Flags

Human Fatality Yes
Human Hospitalized Yes
Animal Fatality No
Responder Involved Yes

Source Information

Source: OSHA

Source Strength: A - Official / Government