At least 19 people sustained injuries during a stampede at an annual motorcycle rally in South Carolina on Sunday morning, local authorities reported. The incident occurred at the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival in Atlantic Beach, a Memorial Day weekend tradition.
Details of the Incident
Horry County Fire Rescue responded to a stage area near South Ocean Boulevard at approximately 1:05 a.m. local time. Emergency crews, already stationed at the event, treated patients with assistance from local police. Three individuals were transported to hospitals, while others are believed to have sought medical attention independently. Officials confirmed that all injuries are non-life-threatening.
Cause of the Stampede
In a statement, Atlantic Beach officials explained that the stampede began when a person started running, triggering a brief chain reaction within the crowd that lasted only seconds. SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) personnel quickly accessed the stage and took control, addressing the crowd multiple times to clarify that no actual threat existed.
Interim Town Manager Titus Leaks said, “Their swift response helped calm attendees and restore order.” He emphasized that there were no confirmed fights, weapons, or direct threats to public safety, describing the event as a brief crowd reaction that was quickly managed.
Safety Measures and Response
Crowd-control measures were already in place throughout the weekend, including temporary pauses on incoming traffic into Atlantic Beach on Friday night and Saturday evening. Multiple emergency service crews were stationed at the event, ensuring an immediate response.
Officials plan to review the incident with public safety partners to identify additional safety enhancements for future events. The festival, which has been held for over 40 years, attracts up to 40,000 people each Memorial Day weekend, according to the town’s website.
