At least 19 people were injured following a brief stampede at the annual Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on Sunday, May 24, at around 1:05 a.m. local time, according to Horry County Fire Rescue (HCFR). Authorities were dispatched to the stage area near South Ocean Boulevard after a “reported stampede.”
HCFR confirmed that 19 people were evaluated for injuries, none of which were believed to be life-threatening. Three individuals were transported to nearby hospitals, while others may have gone to hospitals on their own.
Cause of the Stampede
Officials said the stampede started when one person began running, which caused a brief chain reaction in the crowd. The event lasted only a few seconds and was quickly controlled by law enforcement.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) personnel accessed the stage promptly, addressed the crowd, and restored order.
Festival Background
The Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival has been held annually for over 40 years, attracting visitors from across the United States. The festival coincides with Memorial Day weekend and draws hundreds of thousands of people.
The festival is considered the third-largest motorcycle rally in the U.S., after Sturgis and Daytona. When combined with Myrtle Beach’s Harley Week, the crowd size may surpass all other U.S. cities.
Safety Measures
Authorities stressed that there were no confirmed fights, weapons, or direct threats to public safety. Multiple safety measures had been implemented throughout the weekend, and law enforcement acted quickly to manage the situation.
Official Statements
Interim Town Manager Titus Leaks said, “This was a brief crowd reaction that was quickly identified and managed by law enforcement. We planned ahead, we responded quickly, and we will continue to ensure safety for everyone visiting Atlantic Beach.”
The town expressed concern for those injured and emphasised that the incident did not reflect the overall success of the festival.
