Bhubaneswar, Feb 9: Some 23 tourists, including four foreigners, were at the receiving end of a massive onslaught launched by thousands of bees at Sun Temple in Konark today.

The attack is believed to be the result of some monkey business yesterday. The incident forced the temple authorities stop selling entry tickets to the heritage site.

The bee attack first began on Monday afternoon after monkeys disturbed a beehive near the temple's entrance, known as hastidwar (the elephant gate). Soon, the bees took over the temple premises and launched an attack on the tourists, who began to run to escape the sting.

Four persons were injured in the attack yesterday.

The attacks continued today as bees started targeting tourists around 11am. Tourists started running for cover as the bees played havoc for around 45 minutes. The second bee attack of the day took place in the afternoon. Many tourists, including women and children, were injured in the attack. They were all rushed to the nearest government hospital for preliminary treatment.

"I was passing through the main gate when the bees started chasing me. I ran for cover, but could not save myself," said Meenakshi, a tourist from Uttar Pradesh, who was stung on her face.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) authorities said that the beehive would be destroyed tonight. "We have begun working on this. We hope everything will be normal from tomorrow," said ASI superintending archaeologist Jeevan Patnaik. Yesterday, an ASI expert team reviewed the ongoing conservation work at the temple. The team examined the chemical treatment being given to the temple edifice. However, members of the team did not dare to venture out for inspection today because of the bee scare.