Colliding Drones Crash Into Crowd at Florida Holiday Show

What's New

Several drones collided midair during a holiday drone show at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday evening, and fell into the crowd below, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has confirmed.

The incident injured a seven-year-old boy, who required heart surgery, and led to the cancellation of a second show scheduled later that night, according to local officials and media reports.

Sky Elements, the vendor which operated the show, told Newsweek that it was working closely with the FAA and city officials to determine the cause of the incident and expressed its hope for the injured boy's recovery.

Why It Matters

Drone light shows have become increasingly popular for public entertainment, but the incident raises concerns about the safety of such displays.

Regulated by the FAA, these shows require rigorous safety measures, including geofencing and technical safeguards, to prevent incidents.

In a statement to Newsweek, the FAA said it was investigating the cause of the malfunction.

What to Know

City of Orlando spokesperson Andrea Otero told Newsweek in a statement that the collision occurred at 6:48 p.m. ET, during the city's third annual holiday drone show, which drew an estimated 25,000 spectators.

In an interview with local television station WESH, mother Adriana Edgerton said her seven-year-old son Alexander, was struck in the chest by a falling drone and underwent emergency heart surgery.

A video of the incident was uploaded to X by user MosquitoCoFl Podcast on Saturday. It showed several drones colliding and plummeting to the ground. In the background, a man can be heard saying: "Oh no! I don't believe they're supposed to be falling." It had been viewed 22,100 times by Monday morning.

City officials canceled the 8 p.m. show due to "technical difficulties."

What People Are Saying

Sky Elements, in a statement to Newsweek: "The well-being of our audience is our utmost priority, and we regret any distress or inconvenience caused. We are committed to maintaining the highest safety regulations set forth by the FAA."

Andrea Otero, public information manager for the City of Orlando, to Newsweek: "[Orlando police] made contact with the individual's family last night at the hospital and will continue to assist the FAA in obtaining evidence for the investigation. Our thoughts are with the family and all those impacted by the outcome of this event."

Adriana Edgerton, mother of the injured boy, to WESH: "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."

What Happens Next

The FAA will determine whether regulatory compliance and safety protocols were followed.

Update 12/23/24, 1:24 p.m. ET: This article was updated with a response from the FAA and Andrea Otero.