ISTANBUL

At least four people were killed and 20 others injured in a shooting early Sunday at a bar in Beaufort County, South Carolina, authorities said.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said it received multiple reports of a shooting shortly before 1 a.m. local time (0500 GMT).

“At this time, we know that at least 20 people were injured. 4 were transported to area hospitals in critical condition, and four victims were pronounced deceased at the scene,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

Hundreds of people were at the bar when the shooting occurred, with victims and witnesses fleeing to nearby businesses and properties to seek shelter.

Several victims were taken by emergency medical services to hospitals, while others arrived at medical facilities on their own to seek treatment for injuries sustained at the scene.

Authorities said the circumstances remain under investigation, and they are pursuing persons of interest.

The names of the victims were not immediately released.

Beaufort County is located in the southeastern US state of South Carolina.