‘I was shaking’: Stampede at South Carolina rodeo event leads to multiple injuries, arrests
GASTON, S.C. (WIS/Gray News) – A night meant for fun turned into chaos, leaving several people injured after a stampede of horses suddenly charged through part of the crowd at a rodeo and concert.
Brenda Arredondo captured video showing her mother getting toppled by horses at the event Saturday night. Her brother was also left with bruises, but her mother had to get more than 20 stitches.
“I was shaking because she has a big cut going across her chin. She got a big bruise from the horse stepping on her chest,” Arredondo said. “It was very unexpected. I was in shock. Everything happened so quick.”
According to Lexington County EMS, 10 people were treated on site. Eight of those people were later taken to the hospital.
In the chaos of the stampede, eight people were also arrested for disorderly conduct. Police said that as those arrests were made, some in the crowd were throwing beer cans at officers.
The paid event brought in a crowd of around 1,400 people.
Police said fireworks — which were never supposed to be set off — caused the stampede.
The organizer filed the required event permit, but fireworks were not included. Gaston police provided WIS with a copy of the original form, which showed no approval for fireworks, marked “not applicable” by the event coordinator.
“We are in the preliminary stages of looking into the possibility of charges coming for the event coordinator,” said Chief Stephen Watkins.
Watkins said the fireworks probably would have been denied, given that there is currently a statewide burn ban.
“It’s unfortunate. There were children there. There were small children, toddlers and people in strollers. So obviously they’re going out there trying to have a good time at this event,” Watkins said.
As the investigation continues, he said he plans to speak with town leaders to tighten up event permit ordinances. The event organizer has not responded to requests for comment.
Gaston Police Department was assisted at the scene by Lexington County EMS, Lexington County Fire, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Cayce Police Department, Springdale Police Department, Pine Ridge Police Department and South Carolina Highway Patrol.
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