A commercial truck transporting 70,000 pounds (31,751 kilograms) of active honeybee hives overturned in Washington state on Friday, unleashing millions of bees. Authorities issued a warning to warn the public to steer clear of the swarm.

The incident occurred near Lynden, close to the Canadian border in northwestern Washington. Several beekeepers assisted emergency crews in responding to the situation, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.

“250 million bees are now loose. Weidkamp Road is closed from West Badger to Loomis Trail Road due to the roll-over of the commercial vehicle full of bees,” Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook. The sheriff’s office further added, “AVOID THE AREA due to the potential of bee escape and swarming.”

Hours later, officials were stunned as swarms of bees turned aggressive, stinging deputies on the scene. Some sheriff’s deputies were forced to take cover in their patrol cars to escape the angry swarm.

A spokesperson for the sheriff’s department confirmed that the driver wasn’t under the influence—neither drunk nor buzzed. Instead, it appears the driver simply misjudged a sharp turn, leading to the trailer's rollover.

The authorities said the site of the crash would remain closed "until the rescue is complete".