A tragic accident at a Christmas light show in Orlando has left a young boy in need of open heart surgery. Alexander Edgerton, only 7 years old, was struck by a malfunctioning drone at Lake Eola Park.
An investigation by the FAA is underway after drones collided and fell into a crowd, injuring Alexander Edgerton during an event on Saturday evening, The Mirror US reported.
The Christmas light show, featuring a spectacular drone display, was in progress at 6:30 pm when the incident occurred. Spectators gathered at Lake Eola Park for the event sponsored by the City of Orlando Government and produced by Sky Elements Drones.
Drones, an attraction of the show, unexpectedly collided above the crowd. Several small drones then plummeted into the audience, causing panic and confusion among the spectators. Witnesses reported chaos as people tried to dodge the falling drones.
Among the attendees were Alexander and his family. His mother, Adriana Edgerton, described the scene as terrifying, with people instinctively scattering to avoid harm. It was during this turmoil that her son was seriously injured.
After the collision, Alexander was discovered by his sister, lying unconscious on the ground, face bloodied. He had been struck in the chest and the lip by the falling drones, leading to severe injuries that necessitated immediate medical attention.
Rushed to the hospital, Alexander underwent emergency surgery to address the injuries sustained to his heart. The severity of the incident prompted a swift response from medical teams, highlighting the critical nature of his condition.
While Alexander was the only individual reported injured at the event according to the Orlando Fire Department, the impact on his family was significant. Adriana Edgerton voiced her distress and concern for her son's well-being, stating, "City of Orlando Government and Sky Elements Drones really have some explaining to do. They will be held accountable for what was done to my son. I pray he makes it out of this!"
The incident has triggered an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is now looking into the safety protocols and circumstances that led to the drones' malfunction and subsequent injuries to Alexander.
In response to the accident, Sky Elements Drones released a statement extending their hopes for Alexander's recovery and emphasizing their commitment to safety. "Sky Elements Drones wants to extend our sincere hope for a full and speedy recovery to those impacted at our Lake Eola show in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 21. The well-being of our audience is our utmost priority, and we regret any distress or inconvenience caused," read the statement.
The company also highlighted their track record, stating, "Millions of people see our shows annually, and we are committed to maintaining the highest safety regulations set forth by the FAA." Despite their claims, this incident has raised concerns about drone safety at public events and the measures in place to protect spectators.
The outcome of the FAA investigation will likely have implications for future drone displays and the safety protocols required at similar events. This incident serves as a critical reminder of the risks associated with using drones in densely populated events and the need for stringent safety measures to prevent similar accidents.
For now, the community's focus remains on the recovery of young Alexander and the thorough investigation by the authorities to ensure such a tragic event does not occur again. The incident at Lake Eola Park has spurred a broader discussion on public safety and regulatory compliance as cities and companies seek to entertain while ensuring the safety of their patrons.
