Additional Coverage:
At least 19 people were injured early Sunday morning during a stampede at the annual Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, authorities reported. The incident took place shortly after 1 a.m. near a stage at the event.
Officials believe the chaos began when one individual suddenly ran through the crowd, triggering a brief but intense chain reaction. Atlantic Beach Interim Town Manager Titus Leaks emphasized that there were no confirmed fights, weapons, or direct threats involved. “The situation appears to have been triggered when an individual began running, causing a brief chain reaction within the crowd that lasted only seconds,” Leaks explained.
Police officers responsible for crowd control quickly intervened, calming the panicked attendees and restoring order. Horry County Fire Rescue (HCFR) described the episode as a “mass casualty incident,” reporting that 19 people received medical evaluations for non-life-threatening injuries, and three were hospitalized.
Despite soggy Memorial Day weather, the festival, which has been held annually for 40 years and draws motorcycle enthusiasts nationwide, resumed normal operations once the situation was under control. Leaks expressed concern for those injured, stating, “Any situation where individuals are harmed is taken seriously, and our thoughts are with those affected as they recover. The safety and well-being of our residents and visitors remains our highest priority.”
Last year’s event was overshadowed by several troubling incidents, including a shooting on a party boat in Little River and multiple fights that resulted in hospitalizations, according to local news reports. Authorities continue to prioritize safety measures at the festival to prevent future occurrences.