
Tragedy in Myrtle Beach: Fire Destroys City’s Largest Restaurant, Claims Lives of 5 Baseball Players
Myrtle Beach, SC – May 11, 2025 — A devastating fire tore through Myrtle Beach’s largest restaurant late Saturday night, reducing the iconic establishment to ashes and claiming the lives of five young baseball players visiting the city for a tournament.
The blaze erupted around 11:45 p.m. at The Grand Palate, a popular dining destination located on Ocean Boulevard. Firefighters arrived within minutes, but the flames had already engulfed most of the structure. The intense fire quickly spread throughout the multi-level building, fueled by high winds and flammable materials inside.
Emergency responders confirmed that five members of a visiting youth baseball team, aged between 17 and 19, were trapped inside the restaurant when the roof collapsed. Despite heroic efforts by first responders, all five were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities are being withheld pending notification of families.
“This is one of the most heartbreaking incidents we’ve seen in recent memory,” said Myrtle Beach Fire Chief Angela Coleman. “Our hearts go out to the victims, their teammates, and their families. We are working closely with investigators to determine the cause of this fire.”
Initial reports suggest the fire may have started in the kitchen area, though the exact cause remains under investigation. The South Carolina State Fire Marshal’s Office and ATF agents have joined local authorities in examining the scene.
The Grand Palate had long been a centerpiece of Myrtle Beach’s tourism and culinary scenes, known for hosting large events and welcoming teams and travelers from across the country.
City officials have declared a day of mourning, and local baseball organizations are planning tributes for the fallen players. Grief counselors are being made available for their teammates and community members.
Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.
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