AT least 10 people have been taken to hospital after a Memorial Day Weekend celebration turned to chaos.
The Atlantic Beach Bike Festival in South Carolina was shut down by cops after panicked concert-goers caused a stampede on Saturday night.
It is believed that an argument sparked the sudden reaction with shoes and personal belongings left scattered on the floor as people fled.
Police have said they are investigating a “mass casualty event” with further updates expected later on.
Atlantic Beach Interim Police Chief Carlos Castillo told ABC affiliate WPDE that he would answer questions at some point but there would be no immediate comment.
It is claimed by a witness that an argument on the street caused festival goers to surge towards the stage, per Myrtle Beach Online.
Hilton Dewitt told the outlet that the incident occured around 1 am on Sunday.
“They started panicking. It was a stampede,” Dewitt said.
The scene was quickly attended by cops and ambulances who rushed to help the injured.
At least 10 injured people were taken to hospital, according to reports.
The severity of their injuries has not yet been shared and there is no confirmation about what exactly took place.
It is not known if the annual Memorial Day weekend event will continue following the incident.
Those at the scene have reported watching vendors packing up on Sunday morning.
Road closures and diversions have been enforced with emergency services reportedly still at the scene.
This year is the 45th anniversary of the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival, also known as Black Bike Week which is traditionally celebrated on Memorial Day weekend.
Bikers flood the streets and celebrate with food, live music, and parties.
Over 400,000 people were expected to attend the event this weekend.
Ahead of his first Atlantic Beach Bike Week, Nick Beard from Virginia, shared his excitement for the event with WPDE.
“It’s about the people and the connections you make with the people, and everyone enjoying themselves and smiling,” he said.
“The world is hard enough as it is. come out here for a couple of days or a week in my case, and see everyone smiling, it’s a greatest thing.”
Source : https://www.the-sun.com/news/14319906/stampede-atlantic-beach-black-bike-week-myrtle-beach/
