A Vietnamese man was stung to death by a swarm of bees on Tuesday afternoon.

L. H. C., 65, residing in Hoa Phu Ward, Thu Dau Mot City, the capital of the southern province of Binh Duong, was killed by a vicious hive which had been living on a nine-meter-tall rubber tree in his front yard for years.

Officers from the municipal Department of Police were still looking into the case as of Wednesday.

According to preliminary information, local residents heard C.’s screams for help around 1:00 pm on Tuesday before discovering the man covered by the swarm.

Residents attempted to chase the bees away with mosquito repellent, but their efforts were in vain and many others were stung during the process.

By the time the bees departed, C. had lain stiff on the ground. He was considered dead at the scene before authorities were notified of the incident.