Falling Drone Hits Boy at Florida Holiday Event, Leading to Serious Injuries

Falling Drone Hits Boy at Florida Holiday Event, Leading to Serious Injuries

WPBN: According to the statements made by his mother, a spectator who was seven years old and attending a Christmas drone show in Orlando, Florida, had significant injuries on Saturday night when one of the devices fell and struck him in the chest.

At Lake Eola Park, the third annual Holiday Drone Show was presented by the city of Orlando. The Orlando Fire Department reported that one individual was taken to the hospital due to “technical difficulties” that occurred during the event.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is conducting an investigation, stated that “several” tiny drones caused collisions during the event at approximately 6:45 p.m., with some of the drones falling into the crowd.

According to a statement released by the department, firefighters who were working in a nearby medical tent as part of their routine emergency response went to the boy’s rescue. There was no additional injury that was reported.

The Federal Aviation Administration investigates the software that will be utilized, proposed crowd flow maps to guarantee that people are kept at a safe distance from the devices, geofencing features that should ensure that drones remain within a specific region, and staffing levels before granting permission for such an event, according to the statement.

According to the fire department, the show was scheduled to be repeated at eight o’clock, but the event was canceled as a result of the incident that occurred during the performance at six thirty o’clock.

The city issued a statement on Friday in order to promote the event, which read as follows: “This show will feature a dazzling display of synchronized drones flying in formation to create beautiful holiday-themed designs in the night sky.”

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In the comfort of their own blankets and lawn chairs, attendees will be able to relax and enjoy the 15-minute light show that will be presented without interruption.

During an interview with WESH, Adriana Edgerton stated that she witnessed drones sinking after the crash and that her son, Alexander, required heart surgery as a consequence of the injuries he sustained from the drone.

“Everyone’s natural instinct was to duck and scatter, and before we realized it, my daughter found my son on the floor unconscious,” Edgerton stated. “He had blood coming out of his face.”

A company based in Coppell, Texas, known as Sky Elements Drones was selected by the fire department to serve as the show’s producer for the second year.

“We are diligently working with the FAA and City of Orlando officials to determine the cause and are committed to establishing a clear picture of what transpired,” the firm said. The company has assisted the National Football League, NASCAR, and Major League Baseball in hosting drone light shows.

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“The well-being of our audience is our utmost priority,” it stated, “and we regret any distress or inconvenience caused.”

According to Edgerton, such public gatherings shouldn’t be the scene of accidents like her son’s.

“This should not have happened, and no family should be going through this,” she stated. “We were trying to watch a show and have a good time.”

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Melissa Sarris is a dedicated local news reporter for the West Palm Beach News. She focuses on accuracy and public interest when she covers neighborhood stories, breaking news, and changes in local government. Melissa likes to explore new places and help out at neighborhood events when she's free.