ORLANDO, Fla. -- A seven-year-old boy was seriously injured during a holiday drone show on Saturday night at Lake Eola Park when several drones collided mid-air and plummeted to the crowd below. The incident, which occurred around 6:45 p.m., has prompted both local and federal investigations as officials seek to understand how such a malfunction could happen during what was billed as a family-friendly event.
Thousands of spectators gathered for the anticipated Holiday Drone Show, which promised to deliver stunning aerial displays formed by over 200 synchronized drones. Unfortunately, the event took a tragic turn when multiple drones collided, leading to several plunging to the ground, with one hitting the young boy, identified as Alexander Edgerton.
According to the Orlando Fire Department, Alexander was hit by one of the falling drones, described by his mother as having struck him directly on the chest and also causing cuts to his mouth. "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," Adriana Edgerton recounted.
Immediately following the incident, emergency personnel at the park rushed to provide aid. The severely injured boy underwent emergency open-heart surgery due to the trauma inflicted by the drone. His mother revealed the collision was so forceful it damaged one of his heart valves, creating deep concerns for his health and recovery.
The show, organized by Sky Elements Drones based out of Texas, had been one of two performances scheduled for the evening, but the city of Orlando swiftly canceled the second show following the incident, labeling it as stemming from “technical difficulties.” Sky Elements Drones, which has facilitated numerous drone shows nationwide, expressed deep concern for the injured boy and his family. "Sky Elements Drones wants to extend our sincere hope for a full and speedy recovery to those impacted at our Lake Eola show," the company stated. "The well-being of our audience is our utmost priority, and we regret any distress or inconvenience caused.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is now leading the investigation, focusing on how such accidents can be prevented and what regulations failed to protect spectators. The FAA’s protocol requires rigorous safety evaluations before granting permits for drone shows, including software assessments, review of safety zones to keep the audience safe, and emergency protocols if drones fail. Typically, drone shows must operate under strict guidelines, including obtaining waivers for flying multiple drones simultaneously.
According to city officials, about 25,000 attendees were present during the show, many of whom captured videos of the alarming accident. Footage shared online shows several drones initially displaying beautiful holiday-themed patterns before chaos unfolded with drones colliding and cascading toward the ground. "Oh no! I don’t believe they’re supposed to be falling," could be heard as onlookers reacted to the startling images.
The incident has raised questions about the overall safety of such drone shows, particularly after similar incidents noted across the country. Experts, including Dr. Vivek Sharma from the Florida Institute of Technology, have pointed to potential causes such as GPS interference, technical programming errors, or unexpected drone collisions. It's still unclear whether specific safety measures were followed adequately during the show.
Local authorities are committed to working alongside the FAA to piece together the events leading to the collision and to prevent future occurrences. "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," expressed Edgerton, highlighting the need for increased safety precautions during large public drone displays.
City officials, responding to the accident, conveyed their support for Alexander and his family. "Our thoughts are with the family and all those impacted by the outcome of this event. The city remains in contact with the vendor and FAA, who will conduct a thorough investigation," they stated.
While the situation remains dire for Alexander, this incident has sparked conversations about the importance of safety regulations at public displays, particularly as drone shows become increasingly popular for entertainment. The FAA's investigation is expected to provide clarity on how to implement stricter guidelines to protect audience members moving forward.
