Chandler, AZ — A massive swarm of bees invaded Intel’s Ocotillo campus Monday morning, sending employees into a frightening situation and leaving three people hospitalized after they were stung, according to fire officials and local reports.

Fire crews rushed to the Intel manufacturing campus in Chandler, located about 30 minutes southeast of Phoenix, after receiving reports of multiple people being attacked by the swarm.

One of the initial reports involved a person who had suffered a large number of bee stings, while other people were also reportedly stung during the incident.

The Chandler Fire Department said 10 people were treated by first responders on campus. Three of those victims were taken to a hospital in stable condition.

Officials have not said what caused the bees to become agitated or why the swarm suddenly descended on the workplace.

Ten people treated after bee attack

The sudden bee invasion created an emergency response at one of the area’s major technology manufacturing sites.

Firefighters treated multiple people at the campus after the swarm began stinging employees. While most of those affected were treated at the scene, three people required transportation to a hospital.

All three hospitalized victims were reported to be in stable condition, according to the Chandler Fire Department.

The incident highlights how quickly an encounter with a large bee swarm can become dangerous, particularly when people are unable to get away from the insects quickly.

It was not immediately clear whether the swarm was connected to a hive located somewhere on the Intel property or whether the bees had moved into the area from elsewhere.

Authorities also have not identified a specific trigger that caused the insects to become aggressive.

Intel campus is a major Arizona manufacturing site

The bee incident happened at Intel’s Ocotillo campus in Chandler, a major part of the company’s U.S. manufacturing operations.

Intel began its operations in the late 1960s and went on to become one of the world’s best-known semiconductor companies. The company developed the first microprocessor and has since expanded into areas including artificial intelligence chips.

Although Intel is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, the company maintains facilities throughout the United States and internationally.

Intel describes Arizona as its “U.S. manufacturing powerhouse.”

In March 2021, the company announced plans to build two new chip factories in Chandler, with one of those facilities now operating.

Intel has also said its activities contribute about $10.7 billion to Arizona’s economy every year, making its Chandler operations an important part of the state’s technology and manufacturing sector.

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Arizona has seen other serious bee encounters

Monday’s incident was not the first recent bee emergency reported in the Phoenix-area region.In April, a hiker in Phoenix, Arizona, was reportedly stung more than 100 times after encountering bees near Lookout Mountain.

The Phoenix Fire Department responded after receiving reports of the hiker being repeatedly stung. Firefighters said the adult man was unable to continue descending the mountain because of the attack.

The man was ultimately rescued by fire crews using a helicopter and transported to a hospital in critical condition. Authorities did not publicly confirm whether he survived the incident.

The Phoenix Fire Department later issued safety advice for people who encounter bees outdoors, warning them to avoid disturbing hives and recommending that people skip scented products when spending time outside.

Officials also advised people to wear light-colored clothing and, if they encounter a swarm, run away quickly while protecting their head and face.

For the employees caught in Monday’s incident at the Intel campus, what began as an ordinary workday quickly became a dangerous encounter with a massive swarm.

The investigation into the Chandler incident remains focused on what triggered the bees and whether any additional safety measures will be needed at the workplace.

Have you ever encountered a large swarm of bees? Share your experience in the comments and let us know what you would do in a situation like this.