Early Sunday morning, a “stampede” at the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, led to injuries for at least 19 individuals, according to local officials.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene around 1:05 a.m., focusing their efforts near a stage on South Ocean Boulevard after receiving reports of the incident. Fortunately, Horry County Fire Rescue stated that none of the injuries were considered life-threatening.
“With assistance from on-scene law enforcement, 19 individuals were identified and assessed for injuries,” reported Horry County Fire Rescue. “Three individuals were transported to the hospital, with others potentially seeking medical attention on their own.”
Given the scale of the incident, Horry County Fire Rescue declared it a mass casualty situation, a classification used to streamline the emergency response when numerous people need medical evaluation.
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Emergency personnel responded promptly after multiple individuals were treated for injuries following the reported crowd surge during the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina. This occurred early on Sunday, May 24, 2026, as noted in a post by Horry County Fire Rescue on Facebook.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, the Town of Atlantic Beach said the incident began when one person started running, triggering what officials described as a “brief chain reaction within the crowd that lasted only seconds.”
“We want to express our sincere concern for anyone who was injured or impacted,” the town said. “Any situation where individuals are harmed is taken seriously, and our thoughts are with those affected as they recover.”
Multiple law enforcement and emergency agencies were already stationed 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 of South Ocean Boulevard in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, where authorities said 19 people were evaluated for injuries after a reported crowd surge during the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival early Sunday, May 24, 2026. (Google Maps)
“At no time were there any confirmed fights, weapons, or direct threats to public safety,” town officials said.
Several crowd-control measures had been implemented throughout the weekend, including temporarily suspending incoming traffic into Atlantic Beach on Friday night and again 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.
“The Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival has been held for over 40 years and continues to attract visitors from across the country because of the positive experience it provides.”
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Police lights are seen on an emergency vehicle. Authorities in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, said 19 people were evaluated for injuries after a reported crowd surge at the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival early Sunday, May 24, 2026. (iStock)
Officials said they will continue reviewing the incident with public safety partners to identify any additional safety improvements.
The Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival is an annual Memorial Day weekend motorcycle rally that the town says has been reported to draw crowds in excess of 400,000 to the area, though those crowds can overlap with broader 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.
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