A 7-year-old spectator at a holiday drone show in Orlando, Florida, was seriously injured on Saturday night when one of the devices malfunctioned and struck him in the chest, as reported by his mother. The Orlando Fire Department confirmed that a person was hospitalized following “technical difficulties” at the city-hosted third annual Holiday Drone Show at Lake Eola Park. The Federal Aviation Administration, currently conducting an investigation, stated on Sunday that “several” small drones collided during the show at around 6:45 p.m., with some falling into the crowd.
According to a statement by the Fire Department, fire personnel manning a medical tent nearby quickly attended to the injured boy. Thankfully, no other injuries were reported. Before approving such events, the FAA typically assesses the software to be used, proposed crowd flow maps to ensure safe distances from the drones, geofencing capabilities to restrict drone movement, and staffing protocols.
The event was initially scheduled to be reprised at 8 p.m., but following the incident during the 6:30 p.m. display, it was canceled. In promotional materials leading up to the event, the city had described the drone show as featuring a synchronized display of drones creating holiday-themed designs in the night sky, allowing attendees to enjoy the 15-minute light show from the comfort of their own seating.
Adriana Edgerton, speaking to NBC affiliate WESH, recounted witnessing drones crashing after the collision. Her son, Alexander, required heart surgery due to the drone-inflicted injuries. She shared her distressing experience, stating, “Everyone’s natural instinct was to duck and scatter, and before we realized it, my daughter found my son on the floor unconscious. He had blood coming out of his face.”
The fire department identified Sky Elements Drones, based in Coppell, Texas, as the company responsible for producing the show for the second consecutive year. The company, known for assisting major sports organizations like the NFL, NASCAR, and Major League Baseball in hosting drone light shows, expressed its commitment to collaborating with the FAA and City of Orlando officials to determine the cause of the incident.
In a statement, Sky Elements Drones emphasized, “The well-being of our audience is our utmost priority, and we regret any distress or inconvenience caused.” Edgerton, reflecting on her son’s injuries, emphasized the need for improved safety measures at public events, stating firmly, “This should not have happened, and no family should be going through this. We were trying to watch a show and have a good time.”
As investigations continue into the drone show incident, the community awaits further updates on the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate mishap that resulted in a young spectator’s serious injury.
