19 people were injured in a stampede at a South Carolina cycling event, officials said
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At least 19 people were assessed for injuries early Sunday in a “trample” during the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, officials said.
Emergency services responded around 1:05 a.m. near the platform near South Ocean Boulevard after reports of a stampede. None of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening, according to Horry County Fire Rescue.
“With the help of law enforcement in the area, 19 patients were found and checked for injuries,” said Horry County Fire Rescue. “… Three people were taken to the hospital with injuries, and others may have been transported to local hospitals.”
Due to the number of reported injuries, Horry County Fire Rescue has declared a mass casualty incident a term used to coordinate an emergency response where multiple patients need to be evaluated.
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Emergency personnel respond after several people are checked for injuries following a reported stampede during the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, early Sunday, May 24, 2026. (Horry County Fire Rescue via Facebook)
In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, the City of Atlantic Beach said the incident began when one person started running, which officials described as “a brief reaction within the crowd that lasted only seconds.”
“We want to express our concern for anyone who was injured or affected,” the city said. “Any situation where people are hurt is taken seriously, and our thoughts are with those affected as they recover.”
Multiple law enforcement and emergency agencies were already on standby throughout the event and responded quickly.
EMS personnel treated the injured at the scene before the event resumed, officials said.
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A view of South Ocean Boulevard in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, where authorities said 19 people were checked for injuries after a reported crowd surge during the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival early Sunday, May 24, 2026. (Google Maps)
“There have been no confirmed fights, weapons, or threats to public safety,” city officials said.
Several crowd control measures were used throughout the weekend, including temporarily halting traffic entering Atlantic Beach on Friday night and Saturday evening.
“Although any incident is not good, it is also important to note that this time limit does not indicate the success of the entire event,” said the city.
“The Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival has been around for over 40 years and continues to attract visitors from all over the country because of the great experience it offers.”
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Police lights are visible from the emergency vehicle. Authorities in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, said 19 people were assessed for injuries after a crowd was reported at the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival early Sunday, May 24, 2026. (Stock)
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Officials said they will continue to review the incident with public safety partners to identify any further security improvements.
The Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival is an annual motorcycle rally on Memorial Day weekend that the city has reportedly drawn crowds of more than 400,000 to the area, though those crowds can spill over into Myrtle Beach’s Memorial Day weekend, concerts, parties, and other entertainment events, according to the City of Atlantic Beach’s website.
A spokesperson for Horry County Fire Rescue told Fox News Digital they have no further updates to share.
