Contractor dies, another hospitalised in bee attack at Triumph worksite

Police are investigating a tragic incident at Surat Drive, Triumph, East Coast Demerara, on Wednesday that claimed the life of a 29-year-old contractor and left another man critically injured after they were attacked by a swarm of bees while on the job.

Dead is Winston Semple, a contractor of Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara. His colleague, 40-year-old Glendon Simpson of Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara, remains hospitalised in critical condition following the attack.

According to initial police reports, Semple, Simpson, and several other workmen were engaged in road construction activities in the area when they were suddenly swarmed by a large number of bees. In a desperate attempt to escape, the men reportedly scattered, but both Semple and Simpson sustained multiple stings to their bodies.

Public-spirited residents in the area rushed to their aid and transported the injured men to the Enmore Regional Hospital. Unfortunately, Semple was pronounced dead on arrival, while Simpson was admitted for emergency treatment and remains in serious condition.

Investigators have since processed the scene and are continuing their inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Semple’s body was taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Mortuary, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.