Orlando, FL – Saturday evening's Christmas drone show at Lake Eola Park turned disastrous when drones collided mid-air and fell into the crowd, causing several injuries, including critical injuries to a 7-year-old boy. The incident occurred during a 6:30 p.m. performance by Sky Elements Drones, in collaboration with the City of Orlando. Hundreds of drones were choreographed to display holiday-themed lights before the collision. Eyewitness videos captured the chaos, with frightened children and surprised gasps heard in the crowd. The Orlando Fire Department confirmed minor injuries to one person, while two mothers, Jessica Lumedge and Adriana Edgerton, reported their son was hit in the face by a drone and is now fighting for his life in the emergency room. Despite this, the show continued, but the 8 p.m. performance was canceled. Andrea Otero, the city's public information manager, stated the FAA is investigating alongside local officials and the drone operator. The incident has heightened concerns over public drone show safety, and the community's thoughts are with the injured boy and his family.
A Christmas drone show in Orlando turned tragic on Saturday when mid-air collisions sent drones crashing into the crowd at Lake Eola Park, critically injuring a 7-year-old boy. The 6:30 p.m. event by Sky Elements Drones, partnered with the City of Orlando, initially amazed the audience with intricate holiday-themed light displays. The collision caused panic, as shown in videos where children’s cries and gasps of surprise echoed. The Orlando Fire Department confirmed one minor injury, while the boy's mothers, Jessica Lumedge and Adriana Edgerton, reported his critical injuries from a falling drone. The show continued despite the incident, but the later 8 p.m. performance was canceled. Andrea Otero, the city’s public information manager, confirmed the FAA’s involvement in investigating the collision. This incident has prompted scrutiny over public drone display safety, and the injured boy remains in critical condition, with the community's support behind his recovery.
Orlando, FL – A Christmas drone show at Lake Eola Park turned catastrophic Saturday evening when drones collided mid-air and fell into the audience, critically injuring a young boy. The accident happened during the 6:30 p.m. performance by Sky Elements Drones and the City of Orlando, featuring hundreds of drones creating holiday-themed light patterns. Eyewitness videos captured the moment of the collision, with children’s cries and surprised gasps from the crowd. The Orlando Fire Department reported one minor injury, while two mothers, Jessica Lumedge and Adriana Edgerton, said their son was hit by a drone and is now in critical condition. Despite the accident, the show continued, but the subsequent 8 p.m. performance was canceled. Andrea Otero, the city’s public information manager, stated the FAA is investigating alongside local officials. This incident has raised concerns over public drone display safety, and the community is hopeful for the young boy’s recovery.
