Manhattan Bee Swarm Causes Midtown Traffic Jam

Manhattan Swarm: Bees Bring Midtown to a Standstill Midtown Manhattan experienced an unusual disruption on Thursday, June 12, 2025, when a massive swarm of bees descended upon the intersection of 47th Street and Sixth Avenue. Footage captured by Hila Mimoun, a New York University student who works in the area, shows pedestrians and vehicles navigating the unexpected obstacle. The swarm caused a temporary standstill, with people carefully maneuvering around the bees. "I've never seen anything like it," Mimoun said, describing the scene as "surreal." "People were stopping, looking up, and trying to get around the bees without getting stung." The video shows the bees covering a wide area, blanketing the street and surrounding buildings. While the cause of the swarm remains unclear, the incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected encounters that can occur in a bustling urban environment. The quick thinking of those navigating the swarm prevented any reported injuries, and the bees eventually dispersed. The video has gone viral, highlighting the unexpected events that can occur in the heart of New York City.