A dazzling drone show at Lake Eola in Orlando turned into a terrifying scene Saturday night when multiple drones malfunctioned, plummeting into the crowd below.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident, which left one child critically injured.
Horror at the Holiday Event
Video footage shows drones soaring through the night sky before several collided and crashed into the audience. Among the injured was 7-year-old Alexander Edgerton, who suffered life-threatening injuries when a drone struck him in the chest.
“We were enjoying the show when drones started falling from the sky,” said his mother, Adriana Edgerton. “Everyone ducked and scattered, but before we realized it, my daughter found Alexander unconscious on the ground, bleeding from his face.”
The drone struck with such force that it damaged one of Alexander’s heart valves, requiring hours of open-heart surgery. “There’s an actual imprint of the drone on his chest,” Adriana added. “This should never have happened.”
FAA and City Pledge Full Investigation
The FAA confirmed that drone light shows are subject to strict regulations, including waivers for operating multiple drones. “We thoroughly review each application to ensure the safety of the flying public and people on the ground,” the agency stated, adding that the cause of the collision remains under investigation.
The show, organized by Texas-based Sky Elements, has drawn scrutiny over its safety protocols. In a statement, the company expressed its condolences and emphasized its commitment to maintaining high safety standards. The city of Orlando also released a statement, saying, “Our thoughts are with the family and all those impacted. We remain in contact with the vendor and the FAA to ensure a thorough investigation.”
Calls for Better Safety Measures
Adriana Edgerton called for stricter precautions at large-scale events to prevent future tragedies. “No family should have to go through this. We just wanted to enjoy a holiday event,” she said.
Sky Elements has not provided further details about what went wrong during the show, and the FAA’s investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, Alexander remains hospitalized as his family hopes for a full recovery.
Ongoing Developments
The incident has raised questions about the safety of drone shows, which have grown in popularity as alternatives to fireworks. As the FAA investigates, both the public and industry stakeholders will be watching closely for updates and potential changes to regulations.
Stay tuned for further developments as more information becomes available.
