Passara, Sri Lanka – In a distressing incident, a total of 73 schoolchildren from Passara National School in Sri Lanka’s Uva province were rushed to the hospital after a sudden wasp attack, local authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred while the children were engaged in outdoor activities on the school playground, according to Piyaratna Ekanayake, the officer in-charge of Passara police station. Ekanayake explained to the media that the attack prompted swift action, with emergency services responding promptly to assist the affected students.
As of Tuesday afternoon, 18 of the students remained under medical care, receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the attack. The remaining children were discharged following medical assessment and treatment.
Wasp attacks are not uncommon in the region, with incidents often reported in areas with dense vegetation and forested surroundings. Recognizing the potential threat posed by wasps to public safety, authorities have reiterated their commitment to addressing the issue and ensuring the safety of residents, particularly schoolchildren.
Ekanayake emphasized that law enforcement agencies will collaborate with wildlife officials to implement measures aimed at mitigating the risk of further wasp attacks, particularly in areas frequented by schoolchildren.
This incident follows a similar occurrence in January, where seven estate workers in the Hatton police division fell victim to a wasp attack. These incidents underscore the importance of proactive measures to address the presence of wasps in populated areas and minimize the risk of harm to the public.
Local authorities have advised residents to exercise caution when outdoors, especially in areas susceptible to insect attacks, and report any sightings of wasp nests or unusual insect activity to relevant authorities promptly.
Efforts are underway to enhance public awareness and implement preventive measures to safeguard communities from such incidents in the future.