A motorway was left covered in red peppers after a lorry flipped over and shed its load on the tarmac.
The driver found himself in even more of a peppery pickle when he inadvertently unleashed a swarm of bees during the accident.
The beehive was situated on a signpost that was flattened by the overturned lorry.
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The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the accident on Highway 101 at Santa Maria, near Los Angeles, California, US.
Crews cleaned up the red bell peppers strewn across the motorway and removed the damaged lorry.
One lane of traffic remained closed until the early afternoon.
During the clean-up operation, workers noticed that the beehive had been knocked over and called in a local expert.
Robert Dias, from Swarm Catchers, arrived at the accident scene with a special vacuum to gather the angry bees.
He then released the insects in a nearby safe Location, as reported by What’s The Jam.
A CHP spokesperson said: “Thankfully, Robert Dias, from Swarm Catchers, swooped in to save the day and safely relocate our tiny winged friends.
“Talk about a sweet rescue.
“Thanks for making sure things didn’t get too sticky out there, Robert.”
One local joked: “Doesn’t look berry good.”
Bud commented: “Hope the driver is okay. He needs a coupon for his actions if he was at fault.”
Heather asked: “What’s in the boxes?”
CHP replied: “Red Bell Peppers!”
Luckily, no one was reported as injured during the crash and subsequent bee rescue.
The CHP investigation into the accident is ongoing.
Rock group, Red Hot Chilli Peppers are known for the 1991 hit Give It Away and was formed in Los Angeles.
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