A holiday drone show turned tragic Saturday night at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, Florida, when several drones collided and fell onto the crowd, resulting in serious injuries to a 7-year-old boy.
The incident occurred around 6:45 p.m. during the festive light show, which showcased synchronized drones flying to create holiday-themed designs. For the third consecutive year, the event attracted approximately 25,000 attendees eager to witness the dazzling display.
Witnesses described the shocking moment as they watched multiple drones mid-performance suddenly lose control and plummet from the sky. Videos shared on social media captured the chaos as attendees scrambled to avoid the falling debris. "Before they went down, the green one went straight at us. I went to the left. My son went to the right, and it hit my son," said one eyewitness.
The victim, identified as Alexander Edgerton, experienced severe injuries after being struck by one of the drones, including damage to his heart. His mother, Adriana Edgerton, recounted the horrific scene: "The blade cut his mouth, but there’s an actual imprint of the drone on his chest." Following the incident, Alexander was rushed to the hospital where doctors performed open-heart surgery to repair one of his damaged heart valves.
Emergency responders were quick to the scene, providing aid before Alexander was transported to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Despite the trauma, the Edgerton family remains hopeful for his recovery. The family expressed their gratitude for the community's support during this challenging time.
City officials announced the immediate cancellation of the second show originally planned for the evening following the accident. The municipal government released a statement expressing their condolences, saying, "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."
The FAA is now investigating the incident to determine the cause of the drones' malfunctions. According to their standards, drone shows require specific waivers, especially when operating multiple drones simultaneously. "Drone arrays and light shows are subject to FAA regulation," the agency emphasized.
The vendor behind the show, Sky Elements Drone Shows based out of Fort Worth, Texas, addressed the incident with their own statement, extending hopes for Alexander's speedy recovery and prioritizing audience safety. "We regret any distress or inconvenience caused. 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. Millions of people see our shows annually, and we are committed to maintaining the highest safety regulations set forth by the FAA," they stated.
The unfortunate accident raises significant safety concerns about drone operations and has stirred public discourse as drone shows gain popularity across the country. Following this incident, there is renewed scrutiny on the safety measures for such aerial displays.
The incident is also part of a broader conversation around drone regulations, especially as the FAA recently issued temporary bans on drone uses across parts of New Jersey and New York due to rising drone sightings causing safety alerts.
This year's holiday drone show was intended to bring joy and festive spirit to the community. Instead, it now serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by technology not properly managed. Attendees left the event festival heartbroken, reflecting the somber nature of what was intended to be a celebratory occasion.
Community members have come together, offering prayers for the Edgerton family and supporting local initiatives aimed at improving safety at such events. Local leaders are calling for heightened regulations and protocols to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, urging for immediate reviews of safety practices associated with holiday drone shows nationwide. The community of Orlando, once glowing with holiday lights and cheers, now faces the sobering shadow of this unforeseen tragedy.
