Tragic Death of Umpire After Bee Attack During Match

A youth cricket match in northern India descended into tragedy when a swarm of bees attacked players and officials, resulting in the death of a veteran umpire. The incident occurred in Kanpur, a major industrial city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, during an Under-13 fixture on Wednesday.

The deceased, 65-year-old Manik Gupta, had been officiating the match at a local stadium when the swarm suddenly descended upon the ground. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as players, coaches, officials and spectators scrambled for cover. The match was immediately halted as panic spread across the venue.

Mr Gupta, who had been standing in the middle of the pitch at the time, was reportedly stung multiple times. He collapsed shortly afterwards and was rushed to a nearby hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to another medical facility equipped for advanced treatment. Despite doctors’ efforts, he was pronounced dead.

A Distinguished Local Career

Mr Gupta had been associated with the Kanpur cricketing community for nearly three decades and was regarded as a respected figure within the Kanpur Cricket Association. Over the years, he officiated numerous local and regional matches, mentoring younger umpires and contributing to grassroots cricket development.

His sudden death has cast a pall over the city’s sporting circles. Fellow officials described him as dedicated and composed under pressure, qualities that had earned him the trust of players and administrators alike.

Others Injured

Another umpire, Jagdish Sharma, sustained serious injuries in the attack but is reported to be out of immediate danger. Several players and spectators were also treated for bee stings, with a number requiring hospital observation. Medical officials stated that most of the injured are recovering.

Below is a summary of the incident:

Not an Isolated Occurrence

Though rare, bee attacks have disrupted cricket in India before. In 2019, a One-Day match between India A and England Lions in Thiruvananthapuram was temporarily suspended after a swarm invaded the ground. On that occasion, several individuals were stung, but no fatalities were reported.

Experts note that open stadium structures and nearby vegetation can sometimes attract bee colonies, particularly during certain seasons. However, fatal outcomes remain extremely uncommon.

Local authorities are expected to investigate how the swarm gained access to the ground and whether preventive measures were in place. The Kanpur cricket community, meanwhile, is preparing to honour Mr Gupta’s longstanding contribution to the sport.

His passing serves as a sobering reminder of how swiftly unforeseen natural hazards can turn a routine sporting fixture into a devastating event.