A 60-year-old umpire died, and several young players were injured after a swarm of bees attacked a cricket ground during an Under-13 match in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district on Wednesday evening, police said.

The deceased, identified as Manik Gupta, a resident of Kanpur, was officiating the match when the sudden attack caused panic among players and officials at Sapru Maidan in the Shuklaganj area.

According to police, the incident occurred during a match organised by the Kanpur Cricket Association at Rahul Sapru Stadium in Ambikapuram. A swarm of bees descended on the ground, forcing players, umpires, and spectators to run for safety.

Gupta sustained multiple bee stings and collapsed on the field. He was rushed to a private hospital in Shuklaganj and later referred to Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital in Kanpur, where doctors declared him dead.

Police said another umpire and around 15 to 20 players also suffered bee stings during the incident. Their condition is reported to be stable.

Kanpur Cricket Association president SN Singh said the intensity of the attack was severe, adding that bees were still clinging to Gupta’s face and body while he was being taken to the hospital. He expressed condolences on behalf of the association and said they stand with the bereaved family.