Stampede at South Carolina Motorcycle Festival Injures at Least 19

At least 19 people were injured in a stampede at the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, early Sunday morning, according to local officials. m. after receiving reports of the incident. The crews located the injured with help from law enforcement already on site.

Beach stated that the surge began when one person started running, prompting a brief chain reaction in the crowd that lasted only seconds. No fights, weapons, or direct threats were confirmed. South Carolina Law Enforcement Division personnel reached the stage quickly, addressed the crowd repeatedly, and stated that no incident had occurred.

Officials said the response helped calm attendees and restore order. Three people were transported to a hospital; others are believed to have sought treatment independently. All injuries were described as non-life-threatening.

Leaks said the episode does not reflect the overall success of the festival, which has been held for more than 40 years and draws up to 40,000 visitors each Memorial Day weekend. Leaks added that the Black Pearl festival continues to attract visitors from across the country because of the positive experience it provides.