More than a dozen people injured during stage stampede at Atlantic Beach bike fest
More than a dozen people were injured early Sunday morning in a stampede incident during the Atlantic Beach Bike Fest.
Horry County Fire Rescue said it was dispatched to the stage area near South Ocean Boulevard in Atlantic Beach at 1:05 a.m., according to a Facebook post. With the help of on-scene law enforcement, 19 patients were located and evaluated for injuries, none believed to be life-threatening at this time, the post said. Three people were transported to the hospital with injuries, with the possibility of others self-transporting to local hospitals.
It was declared a mass casualty incident because of the number of reported patients, the post said.
The stage on Ocean Boulevard is part of the Atlantic Beach Memorial Day Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival, or usually referred to as Black Bike Week. Performances were scheduled on the stage for Saturday night and well into the morning, according to online information. The festival runs through Monday.
Interim Atlantic Beach Manager Titus Leaks said Sunday that a person who started running created a panic among the crowd of people. He said law enforcement were in position in the area and an announcement from the stage helped to calm the situation.
A similar incident happened last year during the bike fest when 12 people were sent to the hospital after fights created a mass panic during the concerts, police said. People were injured when they were trampled trying to leave the crowded festival.
On Saturday, the roadway heading into Atlantic Beach was shut down about 9 p.m. after the number of people coming to the town grew in a short period of time, Leaks said. Leaks said the increase of people came after parties at the nearby Myrtle Beach Mall were shut down and attendees made their way to the town.
“There were more people coming than leaving,” Leaks said.
The town also shut the roadway down early on Friday night and Leaks said they are prepared to do the same thing Sunday evening if needed. He said it doesn’t stop people from walking into the town and on the beach, but it will help alleviate vehicle traffic.
“We want to express our sincere concern for anyone who was injured or impacted. Any situation where individuals are harmed is taken seriously, and our thoughts are with those affected as they recover. The safety and well-being of our residents and visitors remains our highest priority,” Leaks said later in an emailed statement. “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 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.”
North Myrtle Beach reported crowded roadways and traffic backups along Highway 17 near Atlantic Beach. Police reported in a Facebook post at 10:37 p.m. Saturday that traffic was gridlocked in that area.
North Myrtle Beach implemented a traffic chute and closed side streets in the Atlantic Beach area. The chute helps direct people into Atlantic Beach and starts around 37th Avenue South on Highway 17 and ends around 27th Avenue South. The far right lane of the highway is blocked off with barricades. Those who get into the barricaded area have no way to get out other than to go into Atlantic Beach, loop through the area and exit around 27th Avenue South.
This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 6:38 AM.
