What was meant to be a magical holiday drone display in downtown Orlando turned into chaos when malfunctioning drones rained down on a crowd of 25,000 spectators. The incident, which occurred during a city-promoted family-friendly event, left a 7-year-old boy hospitalized after a drone struck him in the chest, necessitating open-heart surgery.
The drone show, advertised as a “dazzling display of synchronized flying technology,” devolved into a scene of panic as several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) lost control. Some fell harmlessly into Lake Eola, but others plummeted into the crowd, with at least one behaving like a missile, colliding with the child and causing life-threatening injuries.
Adriana Edgerton, the mother of 7-year-old Alezander, recounted the horrifying moment to local news outlet WFTV Orlando.
“A drone fell right into him,” she said. “It was like a bomb went off. The injuries were far worse than anyone expected.”
The impact not only fractured bones but caused severe damage to Alezander’s heart, reportedly “electrocuting” it and damaging a valve. Surgeons at a local hospital performed open-heart surgery to repair the injuries.
Fortunately, the boy is now in stable condition, though his recovery will be long and arduous.
Witnesses described the surreal and terrifying sequence of events.
“We were watching the drones create these beautiful shapes in the sky when suddenly, they just started falling,” one attendee said. “People were screaming, trying to shield themselves and their children.”
Several videos posted on social media show drones careening out of control, crashing into the water and the ground, with some landing dangerously close to spectators.
WATCH: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation following an incident where drones malfunctioned during a holiday show in Orlando, Florida, leading to injuries on Saturday.
A young child was admitted to the hospital after being struck by one… pic.twitter.com/WFzALDWtUC
— Melissa Hallman (@dotconnectinga) December 23, 2024
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into the malfunction.
According to the FAA’s preliminary statement, “Several drones collided mid-air and fell into a crowd during the holiday show.” Investigators are now examining the cause of the failure, including potential software or mechanical issues.
Drone shows have become increasingly popular in recent years, marketed as safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives to fireworks. However, this incident raises questions about the safety measures and regulations governing large-scale drone events.
The mishap has ignited public outrage, particularly among parents who attended the event. Many are calling for stricter oversight and accountability for companies that organize drone shows.
“How could something like this even happen?” asked one angry parent. “There should have been fail-safes to prevent drones from crashing into the crowd.”
A child was hospitalized after being hit by one of several drones that crashed into each other during a Saturday night aerial holiday show in Orlando, authorities said.
The boy and his family were watching the holiday drone show when something went haywire and several small… pic.twitter.com/nuFKKagPon
— ∼Marietta (@MariettaDaviz) December 23, 2024
Local officials have yet to release the name of the drone operator or provide detailed answers about what went wrong.
This incident is expected to spark broader discussions about drone safety and liability. Legal experts note that if negligence is found—whether due to poor maintenance, software flaws, or operator error—those responsible could face lawsuits from injured parties.
Additionally, some are questioning whether large-scale drone shows should require more stringent federal regulations. Current FAA guidelines mandate safety protocols for drone operations, but events with thousands of attendees may necessitate stricter rules to prevent such disasters.
Drone technology has made significant advancements in recent years, often celebrated for its innovation and versatility. However, the Orlando incident serves as a grim reminder of what can go wrong when complex systems fail.
As Alezander continues his recovery, his mother is focused on ensuring that no other family experiences a similar ordeal.
“This was supposed to be a magical holiday evening,” Adriana said. “Instead, it turned into every parent’s worst nightmare.”
Orlando officials have vowed to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigations and have suspended all future drone shows pending the outcome. Meanwhile, the Edgerton family remains grateful for the outpouring of support from the community.
“It’s going to be a long road,” Adriana said, “but Alezander is strong, and we’ll get through this together.”
As the holiday season progresses, the tragic events in Orlando cast a shadow over what should be a time of joy and celebration, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous safety protocols in public events.
