The 77-year-old woman died after being stung(Image: Getty Images)

Asian hornets attack hikers as woman killed from stings after accidentally disturbing nest

The group of hikers are believed to have been repeatedly stung by Asian hornets after they possibly came across and disturbed a nest while they were out walking

by · The Mirror

At least one hiker has died and another was left injured after hornets attacked a group of hikers.

The four women and a man were stung by Asian hornets as they hiked along a path in Pleudihen-sur-Rance, in Brittany, northwestern France, earlier today. They had been walking along a path at about 10:30am when the hornets started to sting them.

A 77-year-old woman died from the stings, according to local reports. It is believed she died of anaphylactic shock; a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that develops rapidly.

Firefighters who went to the scene found another person needed further treatment while three other sting victims were taken to a hospital in Dinan. The three later left the hospital while one received further treatment.

The hikers walked close to the town of Dinan, Brittany( Image: Getty Images/Tetra images RF)

The regional mayor, David Boixière went to the scene following the hornet attack, according to the Le Petit Bleu outlet. "Apparently, the first walkers passed by and must have disturbed a nest," he said.

"Unfortunately, one person went into anaphylactic shock and died." The victims were reportedly members of the Nordic walking club of Saint-Jouan-des-Guérets.

Members of the club were said to be "in shock," according to Mr Boixière. Firefighters are said to have returned to the site and destroyed the nest.

The Mirror has contacted the local council for comment.

What is an Asian Hornet?

The Asian hornet can sting multiple times in a single attack( Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

According to the British Beekeepers Association, an Asian hornet can be identified by its entirely dark brown or black velvety body with brown legs with "characteristic yellow ends." Queens are reported to be about 30mm in length while workers are 25mm long.

It added any Asian hornet sighting in the UK should be reported immediately. "It is crucial all possible sightings are reported so experts can take quick and effective action to eradicate Asian Hornets," it added.

"Please include an image wherever possible as written descriptions are much less effective. Without an image sightings are much less likely to be followed up."

The quantity of their venom means they can inject multiple stings that can make them dangerous to young children as well as people with pre-existing health conditions.

According to an August 2021 post by Allergy UK, each year there are about 10 reported deaths from wasp or bee sting reactions in the UK. It added it could likely be more and mistakenly diagnosed as heart attacks or strokes.