19 injured in stampede at South Carolina bike festival, officials say
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At least 19 people were evaluated for injuries following a “stampede” early Sunday during the Black Pearl Heritage and Bicycle Festival in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, authorities said.
Emergency crews responded near a staging area along South Ocean Boulevard around 1:05 a.m. following reports of a stampede incident. According to the Horry County Fire Department, none of the injuries are life-threatening.
“With the assistance of law enforcement on scene, 19 patients were located and evaluated for injuries,” Horry County Fire Rescue said. he said. “… Three people were transported to hospital with injuries, while others may be transported to local hospitals by their own means.”
Due to the number of injuries reported, the Horry County Fire Department declared a mass fatality An assignment used to coordinate emergency response when multiple patients need to be evaluated.
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Emergency personnel respond after multiple people were assessed for injuries following a crowd surge during the Black Pearl Heritage and Bicycle Festival on Sunday, May 24, 2026, in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina. (Horry County Fire Rescue via Facebook)
The incident began when a person began running, triggering what authorities described as “a brief chain reaction in the crowd that lasted only seconds,” the Town of Atlantic Beach said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“We want to express our sincere concern for everyone injured or affected,” the town said. “Any situation where individuals are harmed is taken seriously and our thoughts are with those recovering.”
Multiple law enforcement and emergency agencies were already deployed throughout the event and responded immediately.
EMS crews treated injured attendees at the scene before the festival resumed normal operations, officials said.
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A view from South Ocean Boulevard in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, where authorities say 19 people were evaluated for injuries following crowding during the Black Pearl Heritage and Bicycle Festival in the early hours of Sunday, May 24, 2026. (Google Maps)
“There was never a confirmed fight, shooting or direct threat to public safety,” town officials said.
Various crowd control measures were implemented throughout the weekend, including the temporary suspension of traffic into Atlantic Beach on Friday night and Saturday evening.
“While any incident is unfortunate, it is also important to recognize that this isolated moment does not reflect the overall success of the event,” the town said. he said.
“The Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bicycle Festival has been held for over 40 years and continues to attract visitors from all over the country due to the positive experience it provides.”
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Police lights are seen on the emergency vehicle. Officials in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, said 19 people were evaluated for injuries following crowding at the Black Pearl Heritage and Bicycle Festival in the early hours of Sunday, May 24, 2026. (iStock)
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Officials said they will continue to review the incident with public safety partners to determine if any additional safety improvements are needed.
The Black Pearl Heritage and Bicycle Festival is an annual Memorial Day weekend motorcycle rally that the town reportedly draws crowds of more than 400,000 to the area, although those crowds may overlap with Myrtle Beach area Memorial Day weekend visitors for concerts, parties and other entertainment events, according to the Town of Atlantic Beach website.
A spokesperson for Horry County Fire Rescue told Fox News Digital there were no additional updates to share.
