Tragic Death of Senior Cricket Umpire Following Bee Swarm Attack
A senior cricket umpire has tragically died after a massive swarm of bees descended on a local match in northern India, causing widespread panic and leaving numerous players injured. The incident occurred during a league game organised by the Kanpur Cricket Association, highlighting the unexpected dangers that can arise in sporting events.
Chaos on the Cricket Field
The match had just commenced at Sapru Maidan in the Shuklaganj area of Uttar Pradesh when the bees suddenly swarmed the ground. According to reports from the news agency PTI, the attack triggered immediate chaos as players, officials, and spectators scrambled for cover. Eyewitnesses described a scene of confusion and fear as the bees targeted everyone on the field.
Manik Gupta, 65, who was officiating the game, suffered multiple bee stings and collapsed on the field. Police confirmed that another umpire, Jagdish Sharma, and between 15 to 20 players were also injured in the attack. The severity of the incident underscores how quickly a routine sporting event can turn into a life-threatening situation.
Medical Response and Fatal Outcome
Gupta was initially taken to a private hospital in Shuklaganj but was later referred to the Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital in Kanpur as his condition deteriorated. Tragically, doctors at the hospital declared him dead upon arrival. SN Singh, president of the Kanpur Cricket Association, confirmed the death and provided harrowing details about the aftermath of the attack.
"When Gupta was being rushed to the hospital, bees were still clinging to his face and body," Singh stated, illustrating the persistent nature of the swarm. The local daily Midday reported on the medical transfer and the ultimate declaration of death, adding to the sombre narrative of the event.
Community Reaction and Historical Context
The Times of India reported that Gupta had been a dedicated member of the Kanpur Cricket Association's umpiring panel for nearly three decades. Association officials expressed deep condolences and pledged support for his family. Chairman Sanjay Kapoor was quoted saying, "The senior umpire of KCA was dedicated to the game. The KCA family shares every sorrow and stands with the bereaved family. All possible help will be provided to his family."
This is not the first time bee swarms have disrupted cricket matches in India. In 2019, a domestic match between India A and the England Lions was briefly halted when a swarm of bees attacked spectators at the Sports Hub stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. During that incident, five spectators were injured and taken to hospital with minor stings, although players and officials remained unharmed. The match was paused for about 15 minutes before resuming, demonstrating that such occurrences, while rare, are not unprecedented in the sport.
The tragic death of Manik Gupta serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable hazards that can accompany outdoor sporting activities, even in controlled environments. The cricket community mourns the loss of a seasoned official while grappling with the shocking circumstances of his passing.
