ATLANTIC BEACH, S.C. — Chaos erupted early Sunday morning at the annual Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival, widely known as Black Bike Week, when a stampede injured at least 19 people, three of whom were hospitalized, authorities said.

The incident occurred around 1 a.m. near the stage area along South Ocean Boulevard in Atlantic Beach, part of the Myrtle Beach area, during the popular Memorial Day weekend event that draws hundreds of thousands of attendees, mostly African American motorcycle enthusiasts. Horry County Fire Rescue responded to what it declared a mass casualty incident.

All injuries were reported as non-life-threatening, with first responders evaluating patients on scene alongside law enforcement. Three individuals were transported to local hospitals for further treatment.

Video captured at the scene showed panicked crowds running through the streets at night, with people pushing and scattering amid flashing emergency lights and urban surroundings. The shaky footage depicted the sudden disorder unfolding near lit buildings and event areas.

Town officials in Atlantic Beach stated the situation was triggered when one individual began running, sparking a “brief chain reaction within the crowd that lasted only seconds.” They emphasized there were “no confirmed fights, weapons, or direct threats to public safety” at the time.

However, social media reports and eyewitness accounts, including the widely shared video, pointed to multiple fights breaking out beforehand as a contributing factor to the panic. The event has a history of crowd issues, with similar reports of fights and chaos in prior years.

Black Bike Week, which began in 1980, is billed as the largest African American motorcycle rally in the United States. It features live music, parties, and gatherings that bring significant tourism to the Grand Strand, though it has also drawn local concerns over traffic, litter, and public safety in the past. Many businesses in the area reportedly adjust operations or close during the week due to longstanding issues.

Horry County Fire Rescue and multiple law enforcement agencies quickly restored order. The festival continued into the weekend despite the early-morning disturbance.

No arrests related to the stampede have been detailed in official releases yet, and investigations remain ongoing. This latest incident highlights ongoing challenges with crowd control at large-scale events, even as organizers promote cultural heritage and motorcycle culture.