ORLANDO, Fla. — The Federal Aviation Administration said Monday it has launched an investigation into why several drones collided and fell from the sky during a holiday show last weekend in downtown Orlando, Florida, injuring a 7-year-old boy requiring surgery needed.
The drones fell into a crowd of thousands of people watching the show at the city’s Lake Eola Park on Saturday evening. The show was permitted through the FAA.
“Our thoughts are with the family and everyone affected by the outcome of this event,” the city of Orlando said in a statement. “The city remains in contact with the seller and the FAA, who will conduct a thorough investigation.”
Adriana Edgerton told Orlando television station WESH that her son, Alexander, needed surgery after being hit in the chest with a drone.
“The knife cut his mouth, but there is an actual imprint of the drone on his chest,” Edgerton said.
Sky Elements Drone Shows, the Fort Worth, Texas-based supplier that organized the show, did not immediately respond to an emailed inquiry Monday. The company’s website said: “Every step of the way, we prioritize accuracy, execution and compliance.”
Drone shows typically require a waiver to operate more than one drone at a time, and the FAA reviews each drone show application to ensure that “the flying public and people on the ground will be safe ,” the agency said.