At least 19 people were injured early Sunday morning in a crowd stampede at the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, authorities said. The incident occurred just after 1 a.m. local time near a stage at the annual event.
Cause of the Stampede
Officials suspect the stampede was triggered when an individual suddenly began running through the crowd, creating a brief chain reaction of panic. Authorities confirmed there were no confirmed fights, weapons, or direct threats to public safety.
Atlantic Beach Interim Town Manager Titus Leaks said that police officers assigned to crowd control quickly restored order and calmed the panicked attendees.
Injuries and Medical Response
According to Horry County Fire Rescue (HCFR), 19 people were evaluated for non-life-threatening injuries, and three were hospitalized. The event was temporarily disrupted but resumed normal operations once the situation was stabilized.
“First and foremost, we want to express our sincere concern for anyone who was injured or impacted,” Leaks said. “Any situation where individuals are harmed is taken seriously, and our thoughts are with those affected as they recover.”
Festival Background
The Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival has been held every Memorial Day weekend for the past 40 years, attracting motorcycle enthusiasts and visitors from across the country.
Authorities noted that last year’s event also faced safety challenges, including a shooting on a party boat in Little River and multiple fights that required hospitalization, according to WCIV in Charleston, South Carolina.
