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Bee swarm attack kills umpire during cricket match; 15-20 players injured in UP's Unnao

Updated on: 19 February,2026 11:17 AM IST  |  Unnao
mid-day online correspondent |

A 65-year-old umpire, Manik Gupta, died after a swarm of bees attacked players and officials during a cricket match at Sapru Maidan in Unnao. Several players were injured in the sudden attack. Gupta was rushed to hospital but was declared dead on arrival

Bee swarm attack kills umpire during cricket match; 15-20 players injured in UP's Unnao

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Bee swarm attack kills umpire during cricket match; 15-20 players injured in UP's Unnao
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A 65-year-old umpire in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, has died, while several players were injured after a swarm of bees attacked them during a cricket match, police said on Thursday.

As reported by news agency PTI, a top office-bearer of the Kanpur Cricket Association, which organised the game, confirmed the incident that took place at Sapru Maidan in the Shuklaganj area on Wednesday evening.


According to police officials, Manik Gupta from Kanpur was officiating as the umpire of the cricket match. Soon after the match started, a swarm of bees suddenly attacked the players and officials present on the ground. The sudden outbreak of bees into the ground triggered panic. While there was chaos on the ground, players and spectators ran for cover to save themselves.



Umpire sustained serious injuries

Eyewitnesses said that Gupta sustained serious injuries in the attack and fell unconscious on the ground.

PTI further reported that he was initially taken to a private hospital in Shuklaganj and later referred to Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital in Kanpur as his condition deteriorated. 

Upon reaching the hospital, doctors declared him dead. Moreover, another umpire and around 15 to 20 players also suffered bee stings, police said.

As per PTI, in an official confirmation of the incident, S N Singh, president of the Kanpur Cricket Association, said that umpire Manik Gupta died after being attacked by a swarm of bees during a cricket match in Unnao.

Singh further emphasised, “When Gupta was being rushed to the hospital, bees were still clinging to his face and body," Singh said, underscoring the intensity of the attack, as per PTI. 

The president of the Kanpur Cricket Association conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the association while further stating that the association stands firmly with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.

Four dead after speeding car falls into canal in Mathura

In a different scenario, four passengers, three of them brothers, died after their car fell into a canal here, a senior police official said on Thursday. According to police, the car was travelling from Mahmoodpur to Deeg when the accident occurred near the Nahla Deviya bridge late on Wednesday night.

(With inputs from PTI)

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