4 taken to hospital after getting stung by hornets near Redhill Market

Four people were taken to the hospital after they were stung by hornets near Redhill Market.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed with Mothership that they received a call for assistance along Redhill Lane at about 1:30pm on Jul. 10.

According to Shin Min Daily News, two men and two women were attacked by the hornets, which apparently came from a huge hive on a tree.

A woman in her 70s had her ears and hands stung.

Passerby stungs

A Shin Min reporter at the scene spoke to a man surnamed Chen (transliteration), vice-chairman of the market's merchants' association, who was helping direct pedestrians away from the hornet nest.

Chen said he was having coffee when he heard people shouting that there were hornets in a nearby tree.

He said an elderly man had been chased by the hornets, causing him to fall.

According to Chen, an elderly woman was the most seriously injured and ran into a nearby toilet to wash her hair.

A market stall owner, Mei Zhen (transliteration), told Shin Min that she found the woman frantically combing through her hair over a sink.

She claimed that there were over 10 hornets swarming around the woman, with some crawling out of her hair.

The woman then weakly asked her to call an ambulance.

Mei Zhen added that the woman's ears were red, swollen and bleeding, and that she had visible sting marks on her hands. The woman also complained of headaches and dizziness.

Another stallowner later brought over a chair with wheels, and with the help of several passers-by, wheeled the semi-conscious woman out of the toilet, Shin Min reported.

Hornet nest removed

Tanjong Pagar Town Council told Shin Min it received a report at about 1pm on Friday about a hornet nest in a tree along the pavement between 78 Redhill Lane and a nearby petrol station.

The affected area was immediately cordoned off, and a pest control contractor was deployed to remove the nest.

The nest has since been safely removed, and the area has been reopened to the public.

The town council advised residents who encounter a hornet nest or aggressive hornets to remain calm, move away immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building.

It also reminded the public not to disturb or attempt to remove hornet nests themselves.

Anyone who is stung should leave the area immediately, the town council said.

Those experiencing a severe allergic reaction or requiring emergency medical attention should call 995 for an ambulance.

According to the National Parks Board (NParks), members of the public who come across a bee or wasp hive are advised to keep their distance and avoid approaching, provoking or touching the hive.

They can call the NParks’ Helpline at 1800-471-7300.

Those who find themselves swarmed by bees or wasps should cover their head and run toward shelter, as this disorients the attacking insects.

Do not swat at the insects as this will cause them to become more aggressive, NParks said.