A postman died after being attacked by a swarm of bees while delivering the mail.
Jose Slomao dos Santos came under assault by the pollinators in the town of Bertioga in Brazil’s Sao Paolo State.
The experienced postman was heading for the central distribution centre when he encountered the bee swarm. Dos Santos tried hiding in his vehicle but the bees continued to sting him.
He was eventually rescued by a team of firefighters and taken to a hospital. Medics tried in vain to resuscitate the postman who suffered cardiac arrest.
It is unclear how many stings Dos Santos had to endure and whether he suffered from any allergies. His wife has asked the police to investigate his death, according to reports by Brazilian news websites.
There is no information on what kind of bees were involved in the incident. The Postal Workers Union expressed its condolences regarding the death of Dos Santos who had worked as a postman for 30 years.
When bees sting humans, the insects push a barbed stinger into the skin. The stinger contains proteins that affect the immune system. This can have life-threatening consequences for anyone who is allergic to these substances.
Experts advise people who find themselves targeted by a swarm of bees to seek shelter in any nearby building.
