By Ihosvani Rodriguez
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. — Broward fire officials say four people were hospitalized after being stung by bees inside a women’s detention center in Pembroke Pines.
At least eight others, including guards and inmates, were treated at the scene for bee stings.
Broward Sheriff’s rescue units responded to the Broward Correctional Institute, at 20421 Sheridan St., at about 7 p.m. Wednesday.
An inmate reportedly stepped on a nest in a recreation yard and caused the hive to attack, said Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue spokesman Mike Jachles.
Two guards who tried to help the inmates received multiple stings to their head and chest areas and were rushed to Cleveland Clinic in Weston after suffering allergic reactions, said Jachles. The guards were expected to be treated and released.
The Pembroke Pines Fire Department transported two other patients to nearby hospitals.
Jachles said it was unclear what type of bees attacked the prison.
The state-run corrections facility first opened in 1977, originally to house male inmates. However, only female inmates have resided here. It housed female death row inmates until February 2003 when death row was moved to Lowell Annex.
Currently the center serves as a reception center for female inmates.