Stampede at Festival in Atlantic Beach Results in Injuries

Early Sunday morning, a stampede occurred at the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, leading to evaluations of injuries for at least 19 attendees. The incident happened near a stage area along South Ocean Boulevard at approximately 1:05 a.m.

Horry County Fire Rescue reported that the injuries were not life-threatening. However, a mass casualty incident was declared to better coordinate the emergency response due to the number of individuals needing medical evaluation. Emergency crews and law enforcement were able to locate and assess the 19 patients, with three transported to hospitals. There was a possibility of additional people self-transporting for medical care.

“With the help of on-scene law enforcement, 19 patients were located and evaluated for injuries,” stated Horry County Fire Rescue.

The Town of Atlantic Beach expressed concern for those impacted by the incident. Officials described the event as beginning when one person started running, leading to a brief chain reaction within the crowd that subsided quickly.

Emergency and law enforcement personnel who were already stationed at the festival responded immediately, providing treatment before allowing normal operations to continue. It’s noted that there were no confirmed reports of fights or weapons threatening public safety during the incident.

Crowd-control measures had been implemented during the weekend, including suspending incoming traffic at certain times. Despite the unfortunate event, the town emphasized the longstanding success of the festival, which attracts visitors across the country due to its positive experiences.

The Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival occurs annually during Memorial Day weekend. It is known to draw crowds exceeding 400,000, coinciding with Memorial Day weekend activities in the broader Myrtle Beach area.

Officials are reviewing the incident to determine if further improvements to public safety measures are needed. The town continues to prioritize safety and aims to ensure the festival remains a celebrated event.

Horry County Fire Rescue has not provided additional updates, according to a representative.

Sophia Compton, a writer at Fox News Digital, reported on the incident. She has a background in business reporting and TV news production, with a journalism degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.