Seven-Year-Old Left Injured After Drones Collided Mid-Performance

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating an incident at Orlando’s Lake Eola holiday performance. Several drones dropped from the sky during the routine and landed in the crowd, injuring a seven-year-old viewer.

The Holiday Drone Show, held at Lake Eola Park, was scheduled for December 21 at both 6:30 and 8:00 pm. This would be the third consecutive year of operation, with the event consistently drawing in crowds upwards of 25,000 people. The 13-minute themed presentation has been organized and run by Sky Elements for the last two years.

The Drone Show began at around 6:30 as scheduled. Then, at around 6:48, the Orlando Fire Department was called to the scene under reports of an injured individual. Emergency personnel were on standby at a tent approximately 50 feet from the crowd and were able to assist until help arrived.

Witness videos show several small drones falling from the sky and into the large group of viewers. The second show, set for 8:00, was immediately canceled.

The seven-year-old injured is allegedly the son of Adriana Edgerton. She stated that he was hit in the chest and head by the drones, with one of the propellers cutting his face. Edgerton also claimed that he was taken into open-heart surgery the day after the incident.

“We were really excited to hear that they were having a drone show at Lake Eola,” the boy’s mother stated. “The light shows going on, and all of a sudden, one of the drones just lost it. Looked like a bird that was diving for fish.”

As required for all drone shows, the event staff had to submit an application to the FAA before the event. The agency then reviewed the drone software, emergency procedures in place, GeoFencing strategies, the number of workers, and the safety of the show area before granting a waiver.

City of Orlando officials released a statement following the show, which read: “Our thoughts are with the family and all those impacted by the outcome of this event. The City remains in contact with the vendor and FAA who will conduct a thorough investigation.”

FMI: www.orlando.gov