Dozens of students at Mass. elementary school stung by bees

Local News

More than 40 students at David Mindess School were assessed by the department for potential allergic reactions or other medical concerns, according to the local fire department.

Several students at an elementary school in Ashland were stung by bees as they got off the bus for their first day of school Wednesday, the local fire department said.

More than 40 students at David Mindess School were assessed for potential allergic reactions or other medical concerns, the Ashland Fire Department said in a Facebook post.

Superintendent of Schools Jim Adams said in a community letter that the incident was caused by a disturbed underground bees’ nest located near the end of the bus loop. 

Adams said numerous students and staff members were stung, and many bees traveled into the school building. The people who were stung were treated, and students’ families were called, he said. 

“This was undoubtedly a difficult way to start our first day,” Adams said. “Still, thankfully, due to the assistance from our community partners, we have rectified the issue and are moving forward to what will undoubtedly be a positive year.”

The school, alongside its facilities department and the Ashland Board of Health, immediately formulated a plan to remediate the situation and remove the nest, according to Adams.

Adams said the elementary school decided to hold recess indoors after consulting with the Ashland Fire Department.

No students needed to be taken to the hospital and all were able to return to school, the fire department said.

“I want to commend our firefighters and paramedics for their rapid and professional response to ensure the safety of all students,” said Ashland Fire Department Chief Keith Robie. “We also appreciate the cooperation of the Mindess School staff in helping to manage the situation calmly and effectively.”

The department told residents to be cautious of bees and other stinging insects and reminded those with allergies to carry an epinephrine auto-injector, also known as an EpiPen.