A festive performance of programmable drones at Lake Eola in Orlando ended in disaster that left a 7-year-old boy in critical condition after drones from the planned light show went awry. The child, known as Alezander, was critically injured and had severe chest injuries; he required an emergency surgery to operate on his heart. He is still in the ICU as his family struggles to heal.
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What Happened at Lake Eola
The incident occurred on December 21 during a holiday-themed drone light show organized by Sky Elements, a prominent American drone light show company known for its innovative aerial displays, Guinness World Records, and participation in “America’s Got Talent.” The event, which drew hundreds of spectators, was expected to feature festive drone formations such as Santa Claus and Christmas gifts.
However, minutes into the performance, several drones malfunctioned. While some drones fell directly into the launch area, a rogue drone veered into the crowd, striking Alezander in the chest. According to his mothers, Adriana Edgerton and Jessica Lumedge, the child was left unconscious with blood on his face and a visible imprint of the drone on his chest. He was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent emergency open-heart surgery due to a damaged heart valve.
Sky Elements Responds
Sky Elements expressed their regret in a public statement, offering their hopes for Alezander’s full recovery and emphasizing their commitment to safety. The company stated they are working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Orlando officials to determine the cause of the malfunction.
“Millions of people see our shows annually, and we are committed to maintaining the highest safety regulations set forth by the FAA,” the company said.
In response to the incident, the second drone show scheduled for that evening was canceled. Orlando city officials have paused future events at Lake Eola pending the investigation.
Family Seeks Support
Jessica Lumedge set up a GoFundMe campaign to cover Alezander’s medical expenses, which has already raised more than $14,000. The family expects to remain in the ICU through Christmas as Alezander continues his recovery.
FAA and Industry Scrutiny
The FAA has launched an investigation into the malfunction, focusing on possible gaps in current safety protocols. While FAA regulations require strict safety zones and pre-flight checks for drone light shows, the incident highlights potential vulnerabilities in these systems.
Drone light shows have gained popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to fireworks, boasting lower risks of fire hazards. Yet, this accident underscores the potential dangers of operating drones in crowded public spaces. Industry experts have called for enhanced safety measures, such as automated landing systems for malfunctioning drones and increased safety buffer zones.
Broader Drone Safety Concerns
This incident comes at a time when drone-related safety issues are under heightened scrutiny. The FAA is also investigating over 5,000 recent drone sightings in New Jersey, which have sparked concerns about unauthorized drones near sensitive airspace. The FAA’s initial findings suggest a mix of commercial, hobbyist, and law enforcement drones, as well as mistaken reports of stars and aircraft, but no evidence of malicious activity.
The Future of Drone Light Shows
Despite the incident, Sky Elements is continuing with other planned performances, including a nightly display at the Orlando World Center Marriott running from Christmas through New Year’s Eve. The company recently set a new Guinness World Record for the longest drone light show, lasting 30 minutes.
As drone light shows grow in popularity, this tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the need for rigorous safety standards. The FAA investigation’s findings could lead to significant regulatory changes, ensuring safer operations and protecting the public in future drone entertainment events.
For now, the focus remains on Alezander’s recovery and the lessons the drone industry can take from this unfortunate event to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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