By Kare11.com

LAKEVILLE, Minn. — At least one person has died in a multi-vehicle accident involving a bee truck on Interstate 35 late Monday morning.

The crash happened around 11:30 a.m. Monday on northbound I-35 near County Road 70 in Lakeville.

St. Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske told KARE 11 one person is confirmed dead, while one person was airlifted to a hospital. That victim’s condition was not immediately available. 

Two semis and two passenger cars were involved in Monday’s crash, including a semi hauling bees.

There are hundreds of thousands of bees on the loose forcing the closure of northbound I-35 between County Road 2 and Highway 70. A southbound lane that had been closed is now open and Roeske says traffic is moving well.

The swarming bees are hindering rescue efforts in the accident.

Eric Roeske said first responders are having a difficult time getting close to the scene because of the bees. 

Officers were initially told not to get out of their cars until the bees settle down.  Firefighters are trying to keep the bees at bay with water hoses.