Constable Ryan Anderson, who was at the scene, said: “Crates were literally on the road and swarms of bees were flying around. The initial beekeeper that was on scene was apparently stung a few times.”

Police advised drivers to keep their windows closed while passing the area and for pedestrians to stay away.

The Canadian Honey Council, a national association of beekeepers, states that a summer honeybee colony typically consists of 50,000 to 80,000 bees.