Seven-Year-Old Injured After Drones Collide at Holiday Show in Orlando

 

A tragic incident occurred during a holiday drone show in Orlando on Saturday when several drones collided mid-air and crashed into the crowd. A seven-year-old boy, identified as Alexander by his parents, was seriously injured when a drone struck him in the chest, causing damage to one of his heart valves.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the incident. City officials confirmed the injury, expressing their thoughts and support for the affected family and others impacted by the event. The drone show, which featured festive red and green drones, was organized by Sky Elements Drones, a vendor the city had worked with for previous events.

In a video circulating on social media, multiple drones can be seen falling from the sky and crashing into the crowd below. Onlookers can be heard expressing shock, with one person remarking, “Oh no, I don’t think they’re supposed to be falling.”

The boy's mother, Adriana Edgerton, told local news outlet WESH 2 that her son underwent open-heart surgery after the incident. "Everyone’s natural instinct was to duck and scatter, and before we realized it, my daughter found my son on the floor unconscious," she said, describing the frightening moment.

Edgerton, visibly upset, criticized both the city and the drone vendor, Sky Elements Drones, demanding accountability for what happened to her son. In a post on Facebook, she wrote, “Orlando and Sky Elements Drones really have some explaining to do. They will be held accountable for what was done to my son. I pray he makes it out of this!”

Sky Elements Drones expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing that the well-being of their audience is their top priority. “We regret any distress or inconvenience caused,” the company said in a statement.

The FAA has clarified that drone light shows, like the one in Orlando, are subject to strict regulations. These events typically require special waivers to operate multiple drones at once, and the agency reviews each application to ensure public safety.

As the investigation continues, officials have not yet commented on whether this year's show met FAA safety standards. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of drone light shows, especially in crowded public spaces.