A celebratory light show took a turn for the worst, when a young onlooker was struck by a drone. The 7-year-old boy and his family were watching an aerial holiday show in Orlando, Florida, around 6:45 p.m. at Eloa Lake. They were among thousands taking part in the festivities when something went wrong and several drones started crashing into one another and falling into the crowd below. After he was hit, the child was taken to the hospital.
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The drone hit the child in the chest.
The boy’s family told ABC News via Good Morning America that a falling drone hit him in the chest. The incident occurred during one of two free shows scheduled to take place on Saturday. After the boy was injured, the second show was canceled. The city told residents that the show could not take place because of technical difficulties.
Her daughter found her son on the floor, unconscious with blood coming out of his face, the boy’s mother told WESH. The drone hit him so hard in the chest that it hit one of the valves in his heart and he required open-heart surgery.
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Some of the drones crashed in the water.
The event was billed as a “dazzling display of synchronized drones flying in formation to create beautiful holiday-themed designs in the night sky.” Attendees had the option to sit back and watch the 15 minute light show from the comfort of their own blankets and lawn chairs. Bystander video showed more than 200 drones forming a red and green display before several of the drones began crashing into the land and water.
The event is under investigation.
In one of the videos, you can hear a child ask, “Are they supposed to be falling? Is that good or bad?”
Thankfully, fire personnel were near the site where the drones began falling. When the drone hit the boy, paramedics were able to get to him quickly and administer first aid. The city is investigating the event.
The drone company also issued a statement.
“Our thoughts are with the family and all those impacted by the outcome of this event,” the city noted in its statement, per Good Morning America. “The City remains in contact with the vendor and FAA who will conduct a thorough investigation.”
The company that flew the drones, Sky Elements Drones of North Richland Hills, Texas, issued a statement as well. The company said it “wants to extend our sincere hope for a full and speedy recovery to those impacted … The well-being of our audience is our utmost priority, and we regret any distress or inconvenience caused,” NBC News reported.
