An unexpected incident at a holiday event in Orlando has prompted the cancellation of several drone shows across major cities.
On December 21, an Orlando holiday show at Lake Eola Park encountered a significant technical failure when drones collided mid-air and fell onto the audience. This unsettling incident involved multiple drones striking spectators, one of whom was a 7-year-old boy. He suffered severe injuries, resulting in emergency heart surgery. The family reported his condition through a GoFundMe page as they remained by his side during the holidays.
Following this incident, Universal Orlando and Orlando World Center Marriott, along with events in Dallas, Austin, and New York City’s Central Park, decided to cancel or pause the use of drones in their shows. The companies responsible for these events remain unidentified, enhancing the challenge of understanding what exactly led to these malfunctions.
A video from the event captured vivid images of red and green drones crashing into one another, prompting Orlando officials to attribute the event to ‘technical difficulties.’ The incident cut short the first of two planned shows just fifteen minutes into the display, and led to a total cancellation of the subsequent show.
Sky Elements Drones, the Texas-based company operating the show, faced immediate action from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA suspended the company’s waiver to operate multiple drones, pending a thorough investigation. Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are involved in the ongoing probe to discern the root causes.
Sky Elements expressed their commitment to safety and accountability, offering hopes for a swift recovery to those affected. The company’s statement emphasized their compliance with FAA safety regulations, which require an extensive waiver for operating multiple drones simultaneously. Further updates from the company remain anticipated as investigations proceed.
City officials in Orlando conveyed their sympathies to those impacted, stressing the importance of safety and promising a detailed analysis of the incident. The response highlights a deeper concern about the safety measures surrounding such technologically advanced displays.
The Orlando drone show failure serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in managing complex aerial displays safely. As investigations continue, the emphasis on public safety remains a priority for all stakeholders involved.
Source: Wsvn
