Authorities said 19 people were hurt after a late-night rush near a stage area in Atlantic Beach sparked a mass casualty response.
ATLANTIC BEACH, S.C. — Nearly 20 people were injured after a crowd surge at a gathering in coastal South Carolina early Sunday, authorities said.
Emergency crews responded around 1 a.m. to reports of what officials described as a “stampede incident” near a stage area in Atlantic Beach, according to Horry County Fire Rescue.
First responders found 19 people hurt in the rush, though officials said none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening. Three people were transported to a hospital, while authorities believe others might have sought treatment on their own.
Authorities said the situation was deemed a “mass casualty incident” due to the number of people who were injured. Though often used to describe deaths, the term “casualties” can also refer to injuries.
A spokesperson for the town of Atlantic Beach said that the incident occurred at the annual Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival and appeared to start when someone began running, causing “a brief chain reaction within the crowd.” Town officials said the incident lasted seconds.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
Interim Town Manager Titus Leaks said measures were in place to protect attendees and that law enforcement, who were already in place, acted quickly.
“We planned ahead, we responded quickly, and we will continue to build on that to ensure the safety of everyone who visits Atlantic Beach,” he said.
Christopher Buchanan contributed to this report.
