At least 19 people were injured early this morning (Sunday, May 24) following a stampede at Atlantic Beach, South Carolina. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. during the annual Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival, a popular event that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
According to WMBF News, the stampede was triggered by a couple of fights that broke out, causing panic among the crowd. Horry County Fire Rescue reported that 12 people were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while six others signed medical transport waivers.
Despite initial social media reports suggesting mass casualties, town officials confirmed that there were no such incidents. The festival continued until its scheduled closing time of 3 a.m., although the music was paused temporarily. Atlantic Beach Mayor Pro Tem John David told WPDE that the rumors of a mass casualty event were false and emphasized the importance of correcting misinformation.
The Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival, also known as Black Bike Week, has a long history dating back to 1980 and is one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the country. The event is known for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring motorcycle racing, concerts, and street festivals.
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