On December 21, 2024, a holiday drone show at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, Florida, turned tragic when several drones malfunctioned, colliding mid-air and plummeting into the crowd below. Among the injured was a 7-year-old boy named Alexander, who sustained severe injuries after being struck in the chest by a falling drone. The impact was so forceful that it left an imprint on his chest and caused cuts to his mouth, necessitating emergency heart surgery.
The event, orchestrated by Sky Elements Drone Shows in partnership with the City of Orlando, was intended to be a festive spectacle for thousands of attendees. However, the malfunction led to immediate chaos and concern among spectators. The Orlando Fire Department initially reported one minor injury, but subsequent accounts from Alexander’s family highlighted the severity of his condition.
In response to the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched an investigation to determine the cause of the drone failures. The City of Orlando has expressed its commitment to cooperating fully with the FAA and the event vendor to ensure a thorough examination of the mishap.
The repercussions of this accident have extended beyond Orlando. Universal Orlando and the Orlando World Center Marriott have both suspended their drone shows as a precautionary measure. Universal Orlando’s “CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular” will continue without the drone component, focusing instead on fireworks and synchronized fountains. Similarly, the Orlando World Center Marriott has canceled its drone shows for the holiday week but will proceed with other festivities.
The incident has also influenced decisions in other parts of the country. A planned New Year’s Eve drone show in Manhattan’s Central Park was canceled following the Orlando accident. Organizers cited safety concerns and recent drone-related incidents as factors in their decision, opting to prioritize the well-being of attendees.
As the FAA’s investigation continues, there is a growing call for stricter safety measures and regulations concerning drone shows, especially those conducted over large gatherings. The focus remains on understanding the technical failures that led to this unfortunate event and preventing similar occurrences in the future.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Alexander and his family during this challenging time, and we hope for his swift and full recovery.
Associated Press2 Florida tourist spots halt drones in shows following a separate accident that injured a boyYesterdayNew York PostCentral Park’s massive New Year’s Eve drone show scrapped after Florida event ends in tragedy: ‘Out of our control’Yesterday
John Delaney FAA part 107 licensed drone pilot