A British family's summer holiday in Portugal ended in unimaginable tragedy when a routine walk turned deadly after they were attacked by a swarm of bees.
The horrifying incident claimed the lives of 51-year-old Anthony Henshaw and his five-year-old daughter Lily, while the child's mother remains hospitalised in critical condition.
The Fateful Walk
The family were enjoying a stroll near a river in Sao Romão, Portugal, when they inadvertently disturbed a bees' nest. What should have been a pleasant holiday moment quickly escalated into a life-threatening situation as the insects swarmed the unsuspecting family.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after receiving desperate calls for help. Despite their swift response and efforts, both Anthony and young Lily succumbed to their injuries.
Medical Emergency
Portuguese authorities confirmed the father and daughter died at the scene from anaphylactic shock caused by multiple bee stings. The mother, whose identity hasn't been released, was transported to Hospital de São João in Porto where she continues to fight for her life.
Local reports indicate the family had no known history of bee sting allergies, making this sudden reaction particularly shocking and unexpected.
Community in Mourning
The small Portuguese community of Sao Romão has been left reeling by the tragedy. Local residents described the incident as "devastating" and expressed their deepest sympathies for the British family.
Foreign Office officials are providing support to the bereaved family members and assisting with the complex process of repatriating the bodies to the UK.
Understanding Bee Sting Dangers
This heartbreaking incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential severity of insect stings, even for those without known allergies. Medical experts emphasise that:
- Multiple stings can trigger severe reactions regardless of previous allergy history
- Immediate medical attention is crucial after any significant insect attack
- Carrying antihistamines and knowing emergency procedures can save lives
The family were reportedly experienced travellers who had visited Portugal multiple times before, making this unexpected tragedy even more poignant for their loved ones back home.
