Multiple small drones collided and subsequently plummeted into a crowd at a holiday drone exhibition in Florida on Saturday evening, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration. According to CBS Orlando affiliate WKMG, a 7-year-old boy sustained injuries during the incident. Authorities refrained from disclosing the identity of the injured individual at the drone show held at Orlando’s Lake Eola Park. However, they disclosed that emergency medical technicians present at the scene provided assistance and swiftly transported the injured party to the hospital. Detectives from the Orlando Police Department later convened with the victim’s family at the medical facility, officials disclosed.
Adriana Edgerton and Jessica Lumedge informed CBS News that their 7-year-old son, Alezander, was the injured party and necessitated immediate cardiac surgery. Recounting the harrowing event, they relayed to CBS affiliate WKMG that their son had been struck in the abdomen by one of the drones. Lumedge described the heart-wrenching moment when the drone careened towards their direction, causing the unfortunate impact. She recounted how the drone collided with her son, resulting in him being injured. Lumedge further revealed that medical professionals informed her that the drone had caused a cardiac reaction in her son.
“The most critical concern right now is his well-being, and determining the extent of the injuries,” Edgerton expressed to CBS News. Local law enforcement authorities are collaborating with the FAA in the extensive investigation into the collision incident. The collision transpired at approximately 6:45 p.m. local time on Saturday, officials disclosed. A subsequent light display slated for 8 p.m. was regrettably canceled due to what the city of Orlando labeled as “technical difficulties.”
Drone formations and light exhibitions are subjected to stringent FAA regulations, with the agency meticulously reviewing each drone showcase application to safeguard both aerial and ground spectators. The FAA scrutinizes various aspects, including the drones’ software, protocols for establishing secure and restricted zones to maintain a safe distance from the spectacle, contingencies in case of drone malfunction, and procedures in case an aircraft encroaches too close to the event.
Orlando authorities estimated that around 25,000 individuals had gathered to witness the drone exhibition. This marked the third year of the holiday drone showcase, overseen by Sky Elements, as per Orlando officials. In a statement obtained by WKMG, Sky Elements Drones conveyed its cooperation with the FAA and city officials of Orlando to ascertain the root cause of the incident.
“Sky Elements Drones extends our heartfelt wishes for a speedy and complete recovery to those affected at our Lake Eola exhibit in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 21. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our audience is our paramount concern, and we regret any inconvenience or distress caused,” Sky Elements Drones stated. “We are actively collaborating with the FAA and City of Orlando officials to determine the cause and are dedicated to providing a comprehensive understanding of the incident.
