British man stung 240 times by swarm of wasps

British man from Powys, Wales, narrowly escaped death after being attacked by a swarm of wasps that stung him over 240 times.

Andrew Powell, a festival organiser, was returning from a bike ride when the wasps swarmed him as he fed his chickens.

"It was pure agony," Powell recounted. "I was covered in wasps before I even made it to my back gate." He managed to flee to his bathroom, where his wife, Gina, helped him fend off the insects.

Powell believes the wasps may have been disturbed by a nearby farmer's agricultural activities. Despite the attack, he remains too frightened to return to his home.

The local minor injuries unit played a vital role in saving Powell's life. "They 100% saved my life," he said. "I wouldn't have made it to the hospital without them."

However, the future of this life-saving service is uncertain. The Powys health board has proposed reducing the operating hours of the minor injuries unit in Brecon from 24/7 to 8am-8pm starting in September. This decision has sparked local opposition, with many concerned about the potential impact on emergency care.

Kate Wright, executive medical director at the health board, explained that community hospitals in Powys are not equipped to provide acute care and that staffing shortages often lead to unexpected closures. The board is encouraging the public to participate in their consultation on the proposed changes.

(Source: Sky News)