November 4, 2023 - US Highway 96 North just near County Road 4350 outside of Center is currently shut down November 1, 2023 at just after 10pm due to a crash involving a load of bees.
Two trucks hauling loads comprised of beehive boxes and forklifts were southbound on U.S. Highway 96 when the incident occurred. Center Fire Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department and TxDOT all responded to assist at the scene.
Workers traveling with the bee trucks donned bee suits and worked to collect bees from the roadway and piece beehive boxes back together. Bees and honey could be seen all over the roadway moving in the light cast by nearby vehicles.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) the preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 9:30pm, a 2010 Ram 5500 driven by Miguel Morales, 34, of Marshfield, WI., was towing a trailer carrying bees and honey was traveling southbound. It is reported that Morales was traveling at a speed which was unsafe around a curve and lost the truck’s load, covering the roadway with bees and honey.
Miguel Morales was not injured, and was cited for traveling at an unsafe speed.
According to DPS, there is no further information available.
November 2, 2023 - US Highway 96 North just near County Road 4350 outside of Center is currently shut down November 1, 2023 at just after 10pm due to a crash involving a load of bees.
Debris, honey and insects are currently all over the roadway as workers attempt to clear at least one side for traffic. Texas Department of Public Safety has contacted TxDOT and requested assistance as the roadway is quite slick from the honey. Center Fire Department personnel have been on scene assisting with traffic control and clearing the roadway.
DPS troopers have reported the roadway is expected to be shut down for several hours and travelers should choose an alternate route at this time until the roadway is clear.
More information will be updated on Shelby County Today as it is made available.
