What began as a magical evening of holiday cheer turned chaotic at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday night when multiple drones fell from the sky during the third annual holiday light show, injuring several people including 7-year-old Alezander Edgerton. The event, operated by Sky Elements Drone Shows, was meant to dazzle the expected crowd of around 25,000 with festive displays of red and green lights. But just 15 minutes after the show began, disaster struck as some drones collided mid-air and plummeted toward the audience below.
Adriana Edgerton, Alezander’s mother, recalled the harrowing moment as the crowd scrambled for safety. “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,” she told WESH 2 News. The drone struck Alezander’s chest with such force it caused severe injuries, including damage to one of his heart valves. He needed emergency open-heart surgery the following day to repair the damage, which shocked his family as they had come to enjoy the spectacle.
“The blade cut his mouth, but there’s an actual imprint of the drone on his chest,” Edgerton explained, fighting back tears. Although Alezander came through the surgery, he is likely to spend the rest of the holidays recovering in the hospital, which leaves his family grappling with the trauma. “This should not have happened, and no family should be going through this,” Edgerton said, emphasizing the tragedy of what was supposed to be a joyful outing.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident. According to the FAA, the performance by Sky Elements was properly permitted and safety protocols had been reviewed prior to the event, emphasizing the regulated nature of drone light shows. Sky Elements expressed its regret over the incident, stating, “We want to extend our sincere hope for a full and speedy recovery for those impacted at our Lake Eola show. The well-being of our audience is our utmost priority, and we regret any distress or inconvenience caused.”
Following the incident, city officials confirmed the cancelation of the second scheduled show later the same night due to “technical difficulties.” Andrea Otero, the public information manager for Orlando, indicated the city was working closely with the vendor and the FAA to understand the malfunction. “We are in contact with the vendor to determine what occurred with the operation,” Otero said.
Witnesses captured videos of the drones colliding, but the exact reasons for the malfunctions remain unclear. Experts suggested possibilities such as GPS interference, programming errors, or physical collisions between drones. Dr. Vivek Sharma, a drone expert from the Florida Institute of Technology, noted the high possibility of several variables causing the chaotic failure.
The social media impact of the accident has proliferated, with many attendees sharing their experiences and expressing shock at the incident. Some videos showcased the moment of chaos, showing drones veering dangerously close to spectators. The Orlando Fire Department confirmed Alezander was the only person hospitalized due to his injuries, but reports indicate another individual may have suffered minor injuries.
The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with aerial light displays and highlights the increasing need for stringently enforced safety protocols at such public exhibitions. “This should not have happened,” Alezander's mother reiterated, calling for improved safety measures to protect families attending drone shows. “We were trying to watch a show and have a good time.”
With the FAA conducting its investigation and the focus now on enhancing safety within the industry, many are left wondering how to prevent such accidents from occurring again during these popular and typically mesmerizing displays. The future of drone light shows may see stricter regulations to assure attendees can enjoy these vibrant events without fear of injury.
