Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleOisin McilroyMonday 25 May 2026 20:26 BST(AFP/Getty)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.The incident occurred around 1:05 am near South Ocean Boulevard, with Horry County Fire Rescue and local police responding to assist the injured.Officials stated the stampede was caused by an individual running, triggering a brief chain reaction in the crowd, and confirmed there were no fights, weapons, or direct threats to public safety.Three individuals were transported to the hospital, while others sought treatment independently, with all injuries confirmed as non-life-threatening.The annual Memorial Day weekend festival, which attracts up to 40,000 visitors, had multiple crowd-control measures in place, and authorities are reviewing the incident for future safety enhancements.In fullAt least 19 injured in stampede at annual bike festival in South CarolinaThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in