Child Injured in Orlando Drone Show Accident
A child was hospitalized in Orlando, Florida, after being struck by a drone during a holiday aerial show on Saturday. The incident took place at Lake Eola where a 7-year-old boy was injured by falling drones, as reported by FOX 35 Orlando. The Orlando Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the child to the hospital for treatment.
Drone Malfunction Causes Chaos
A video posted online by MosquitoCoFL captured the moment when several drones participating in the aerial light show began falling from the sky, crashing to the ground. Witnesses at the scene were shocked as they saw the drones lose control and plummet.
One witness, who can be heard in the video, expressed disbelief, saying, “Oh no! I don’t believe they’re supposed to be falling.” The chaotic scene also included geese on the water, flapping their wings in an attempt to avoid the crashing drones.
FAA Investigation Underway
City officials confirmed that the holiday drone show had received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). However, following the incident, the city decided to cancel the second scheduled show due to technical difficulties.
The FAA released a statement saying, “Several small drones collided and fell into a crowd during a holiday drone show over Lake Eola in Orlando, Florida.” The agency assured that they would investigate the cause of the malfunction and review the regulations in place for drone shows.
Vendor Cooperation and Safety Measures
Sky Elements Drones, the vendor responsible for operating the drones at the show, expressed their concern for the injured child and all those affected by the incident. They emphasized their commitment to safety and stated that they are working closely with the FAA and city officials to determine the cause of the malfunction.
The company assured the public that they adhere to the highest safety regulations set by the FAA and prioritize the well-being of their audience. Despite the unfortunate turn of events, they aim to maintain their reputation for delivering safe and spectacular drone shows.
In conclusion, the incident at the Orlando holiday drone show serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to strict safety protocols when operating drones in public spaces. The investigation into the cause of the malfunction will shed light on any potential lapses in safety measures that need to be addressed to prevent similar accidents in the future.