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Several drones collided in mid-air during a holiday drone show at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday evening and fell into the crowds below, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) confirmed.
The incident injured a seven-year-old boy, who required heart surgery, and led to the cancellation of a second show scheduled for later that night, according to local authorities and media reports.
News week contacted the FAA, the city of Orlando and Sky Elements, which operated the show, via email for comment.
Why it matters
Drone light shows have become increasingly popular for public entertainment, but the incident raises concerns about the safety of these shows.
Regulated by the FAA, these shows require rigorous safety measures, including geofencing and technical safeguards, to prevent incidents.
What you need to know
The collision occurred around 6:45 p.m. ET, during the city’s third annual holiday drone show, which attracted about 25,000 spectators, according to CBS News, citing Orlando authorities.
In an interview with local TV station WESH, mother Adriana Edgerton said her seven-year-old son Alexander was hit in the chest by a falling drone and underwent emergency heart surgery .
Luis Miguel Pérez/Getty Images
A video of the incident was uploaded to X by user MosquitoCoFl Podcast on Saturday. It showed several drones colliding and falling to the ground. In the background, a man is heard saying, “Oh no! I don’t think they’re supposed to fall.” It had been viewed 22,100 times as of Monday morning.
In a statement shared with CBS News, the FAA said it was investigating the cause of the malfunction, which involved several drones falling after a mid-air collision.
In a statement to local media outlet WKMG, Sky Elements said it was working closely with the FAA and city officials to determine the cause of the incident and expressed hope for the injured boy’s recovery.
Municipal authorities canceled the 8 p.m. show due to “technical difficulties.”
What people say
Sky Elements, in a statement to WKMG: “The well-being of our public is our top priority and we regret any distress or inconvenience caused. We are committed to maintaining the highest safety regulations established by the FAA.”
Andrea Otero, public information officer for the city of Orlando, told People magazine: “[Orlando police] made contact with the individual’s family last night at the hospital and will continue to assist the FAA in obtaining evidence for the investigation. Our thoughts are with the family and all those affected by the outcome of this event. »
Adriana Edgerton, mother of the injured boy, to WESH: “Everyone’s natural instinct was to duck and scatter, and before we knew it, my daughter found my son on the ground, unconscious. He had blood pouring from his face.”
What happens next
The FAA will continue its investigation into the collision to determine whether regulatory compliance and safety protocols were followed.
