JAIPUR: A truckload of honeybees swarming the Churu-Jaipur National Highway threw traffic out of gear for nearly six hours.

The truck carrying hundreds of beehive boxes toppled on the highway triggering the mayhem, Times of India reported.

As bees attacked commuters, 22 persons landed in a hospital; however, police officials said that the number of victims could be more since many of those attacked fled the spot.

Colonies of bees spread to a nearby residential area also and people had to shut doors and windows to keep them at bay. Policemen and members of a rescue team had to wear safety suits, generally used for tackling law and order situations, when they towed away the truck from the spot.

The incident took place around 1 pm on NH-65, nearly six kilometres from Churu town. The truck carrying beehive boxes was on its way to Ludhiana from Tonk.

The police are investigating what caused the mishap, but apparently it lost balance and overturned. Bees swarmed the highway and caught commuters by surprise stinging them. The victims included those who had stopped there out of curiosity.

Some commuters on bikes slipped and hurt themselves. As the bee attack created panic, the police were informed. Policemen, however, could do nothing, but watch as mute spectators for nearly six hours.