A seven-year-old boy was left seriously injured after drones fell out of the sky during an aerial Christmas show this weekend. The incident occurred on Saturday evening at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, Florida, during a family-friendly holiday drone show attended by around 25,000 people. At approximately 6:45 PM, during the event, several drones collided mid-air, leading to multiple crashes. Footage captured during the spectacle shows the chaos as viewers on the ground gasped, with some screaming as drones descended toward them.
Among the injured was Alexander, who was struck by one of the falling drones, impacting his chest. His mother, Adriana Edgerton, recalled, "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 initial aftermath saw fire personnel who were already present at the park for emergencies quickly administering first aid to the young boy before he was transported to the hospital.
Emergency medical staff reported the dire circumstances surrounding Alexander's condition, stating he was undergoing emergency heart surgery due to the injuries he sustained. Adriana described her anguish, reflecting on the unexpected horror of what was supposed to be an enjoyable evening. She lamented, "God please be with me! My baby is going to emergency heart surgery off of just trying to watch a drone show!"
The holiday drone show, run by Texas-based Sky Elements Drones, was set to be part of two scheduled performances, with the second show canceled following the accident. The initial drone show promised guests dazzling aerial displays as hundreds of small drones synchronized to create holiday designs overhead, according to the promotional material from the City of Orlando.
The FAA has since confirmed it is taking the lead on the investigation alongside the Orlando Police Department. Investigators are examining the circumstances leading to the drone collisions, which appear to have occurred when several drones strayed off their intended paths, causing chaos above the audience.
"We thoroughly review each drone show application to make sure the flying public and people on the ground will be safe," stated the FAA. Typically, regulations prevent multiple drones from operating simultaneously, yet waivers can be granted following thorough safety checks.
Sky Elements Drones has expressed their commitment to cooperating fully with both the FAA and Orlando officials to understand the cause of the accident. They acknowledged the incident's impact and the safety concerns raised, emphasizing, "The well-being of our audience is our utmost priority, and we regret any distress or inconvenience caused." Meanwhile, local reports indicated some attendees raised concerns about crowd control at the event, noting exits were blocked and the space was densely packed.
This incident arises as drone shows continue to gain popularity as festive alternatives to traditional fireworks displays. Just last week, drone sightings sparked concerns over safety measures as the FAA implemented temporary flight bans across parts of New Jersey and New York due to similar drone-related incidents.
Community members have rallied behind Alexander's family during this harrowing time, with social media updates from Adriana expressing their grief and shock. A GoFundMe page has been established to assist with medical expenses, where friends and supporters plead for help, emphasizing the need for accountability from the City of Orlando and the drone company.
"They will be held accountable for what was done to my son," Adriana has stated, vowing to seek justice for Alexander. The incident not only highlights the risks associated with drone performances but also raises pressing questions about event safety and regulatory compliance as drone technology becomes increasingly woven through public events and celebrations.
