Colliding drones crash into crowd at Florida holiday show

What’s New

Several drones collided mid-air during a holiday drone show at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday evening, and fell into the crowd below, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) confirmed.

The incident injured a seven-year-old boy, who required heart surgery, and led to the cancellation of a second show scheduled later that night, according to local officials and media reports.

Newsweek contacted the FAA, the City of Orlando and Sky Elements, which operated the show, via email for comment.

Why It Matters

Drone light shows have become increasingly popular for public entertainment, but the incident raises concerns about the safety of such displays.

Regulated by the FAA, these shows require rigorous safety measures, including geofencing and technical safeguards, to prevent incidents.

What to Know

The collision occurred at about 6:45 p.m. ET, during the city’s third annual holiday drone show, which drew an estimated 25,000 spectators, according to CBS News, citing Orlando authorities.

In an interview with local television station WESH, mother Adriana Edgerton said her seven-year-old son Alexander, was struck in the chest by a falling drone and underwent emergency heart surgery.

A video of the incident was uploaded to X by user MosquitoCoFl Podcast on Saturday. It showed several drones colliding and plummeting to the ground. In the background, a man can be heard saying: “Oh no! I don’t believe they’re supposed to be falling.” It had been viewed 22,100 times by Monday morning.

In a statement shared with CBS News, the FAA said it’s investigating the cause of the malfunction, which involved multiple drones falling after colliding in mid-air.

In a statement to local outlet WKMG, Sky Elements said it was working closely with the FAA and city officials to determine the cause of the incident and expressed its hope for the injured boy’s recovery.

City officials canceled the 8 p.m. show due to “technical difficulties.”

What People Are Saying

Sky Elements, in a statement to WKMG: “The well-being of our audience is our utmost priority, and we regret any distress or inconvenience caused. We are committed to maintaining the highest safety regulations set forth by the FAA.”

Andrea Otero, public information manager for the City of Orlando, to People magazine: “[Orlando police] made contact with the individual’s family last night at the hospital and will continue to assist the FAA in obtaining evidence for the investigation. Our thoughts are with the family and all those impacted by the outcome of this event.”

Adriana Edgerton, mother of the injured boy, to WESH: “Everyone’s natural instinct was to duck and scatter, and before we realized it, my daughter found my son on the floor unconscious. He had blood coming out of his face.”

What Happens Next

The FAA will continue its investigation into the collision to determine whether regulatory compliance and safety protocols were followed.