A terrifying video showed drones part of a Christmas light display crashing to the ground, with one of them striking and seriously injuring a young boy.
Alexander Edgerton, just seven years old, had to be rushed to hospital for emergency heart surgery after he was hit by a falling drone during the Lake Eola Park show on Saturday in Orlando, Florida.
The event was sponsored by the city of Orlando, and during the 6:30 p.m. show, “several small drones collided and fell into a crowd,” according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is investigating the incident.
A second 15-minute show was scheduled for 8 p.m., but it was canceled after the city cited “technical difficulties” with the drones.
Adriana Edgerton, the injured boy’s mother, said her family was watching the show before Alexander was hit in the chest and lip.
“Everyone’s natural instinct was to duck and scatter, and right as we knew it, my daughter found my son unconscious on the ground with blood pouring from his face,” Edgerton said. WESH 2.
“I feel so bad, it’s three days before Christmas,” she said, adding that Alexander has been in hospital since he was hit.
According to the Orlando Fire Department, Alexander was the only person injured during the show that went wrong.
Drones were spotted flying from the sky during a Christmas light show on Saturday in Orlando
Pictured: Lighted drones were still seen falling into the lake and lying on the grass at Lake Eola Park
Alexander Edgerton, 7, is pictured in a hospital bed after being hit in the chest and lip by one of the falling drones
According to a GoFundMe set up by the family, Alexander will spend Christmas in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
Early Monday morning, the fundraiser raised $615 toward a $20,000 goal.
In a Facebook post, Edgerton singled out and shamed the Orlando city government and the company behind the light show, Sky Elements Drones.
“The City of Orlando government and Sky Elements Drones really have some explaining to do. They will be held responsible for what was done to my son. I pray he comes out of here!’ Edgerton wrote.
The city said this was the second year they contracted with Sky Elements Drones for their light show. Click on Orlando reported.
The company released a statement Sunday saying they are working with the FAA and the city to “determine the cause and are committed to obtaining a clear picture of what occurred.”
“Sky Elements Drones would like to extend our sincere hopes for a full and speedy recovery to those affected at our Lake Eola show in Orlando on Saturday, December 21st. The well-being of our audiences is our top priority, and we regret any distress or inconvenience caused,” the statement began.
It continued, “Millions of people see our shows every year and we are committed to maintaining the highest FAA safety standards.”
Adriana Edgerton, the mother of the injured boy, named and shamed the Orlando city government and the company behind the light show, Sky Elements Drones
Pictured: One of the drones that fell hundreds of feet to the ground during the 6:30 p.m. show
The FAA explained that drone arrays and aerial light shows are covered by its regulations.
“Normally, these events require a waiver from regulations that prohibit the use of more than one drone at a time. We thoroughly review each drone show application to ensure the flying public and those on the ground are safe,” the federal agency said.
The FAA said it is monitoring the software that controls the drones, establishing procedures to ensure people are a safe distance from the show and coming up with plans in case drones fall. It also ensures that the drone operator has enough people to run the show.
Countless people shared videos on social media of what was supposed to be a wonderful holiday event turned into a living nightmare.
Philippe, from the X-account MosquitoCoFL Podcast, was at the show with his son and was thinking about grabbing his phone when the drones started falling from the sky.
In his video, a child was heard saying, “Should they fall?”
In the aftermath of the incident, police were seen collecting downed drones and putting them in evidence bags.