At least 19 people were injured early Sunday in a stampede at an annual motorcycle festival in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, according to authorities.
The incident during the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival occurred shortly after 1 a.m. local time, near a stage. Officials suspect an individual who suddenly began running through the crowd started the incident.
“At no time were there any confirmed fights, weapons, or direct threats to public safety. The incident appears to have started when someone started fleeing, sparking a quick chain reaction throughout the crowd that lasted only seconds,” Atlantic Beach Interim Town Manager Titus Leaks said in a statement.
Leaks said that police officers assigned to crowd control at the event in Atlantic Beach, about 17 miles north of Myrtle Beach, quickly calmed the panicked crowd and restored order.
In an earlier online statement, Horry County Fire Rescue (HCFR) referred to the stampede as a “mass casualty incident.”
According to HCFR, 19 people were checked for non-life-threatening injuries, with three admitted to the hospital.
Leaks stated that the event resumed normal operations once they stabilized the situation.
“First and foremost, we want to express our sincere concern for anyone who was injured or impacted,” Leaks said. “We take any scenario involving harm to individuals seriously, and our sympathies are with those affected as they recover.” The safety and well-being of our residents and visitors remain our highest priority.”
The Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival has been held every Memorial Day weekend for the past 40 years, attracting visitors and motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country, officials said.
Last year’s event was marred by several high-profile incidents, including a party boat shooting in Little River and multiple fights that sent several people to the hospital, according to ABC affiliate station WCIV in Charleston, South Carolina.
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