Drones crashed into the crowd during a holiday show at Lake Eola in Orlando, injuring a young boy who is now fighting for his life

The recent incident at the Holiday Drone Show in Lake Eola Park, Orlando, has raised significant concerns regarding safety protocols in drone operations during public events. On December 21st, multiple drones collided mid-air and fell onto the audience, resulting in injuries to several attendees, including a critically injured 7-year-old boy who is currently fighting for his life . This tragic event has prompted an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ascertain the causes of the malfunction and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Andrea Otero, the City of Orlando Public Information Manager, tells PEOPLE that the 8 p.m. show at Orlando's Lake Eola Park did not go on as intended after the 6 p.m. one "had technical difficulties" on Saturday, Dec. 21.

Otero said the Orlando Fire Department (OFD) "was alerted to an individual who was reported to be injured during the show. Fire personnel were already at the park, staffing an emergency tent that was approximately 50 feet away from the scene of the incident. Paramedics began to render aid as soon as they made contact with the individual."

Detectives with the Orlando Police Department (OPD), Otero added, "made contact with the individual’s family last night at the hospital and will continue to assist the FAA in obtaining evidence for the investigation."

A 7-year-old boy was transported to the hospital due to injuries sustained from the falling drones, according to the Orlando Fire Department. 

The City of Orlando canceled the second show of the evening citing ‘technical difficulties’. A spokesperson told FOX 35 the city is reaching out to the vendor.

The company released a statement Sunday saying they are working with the FAA and the city to 'determine the cause and are committed to establishing a clear picture of what transpired.'

'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,' the statement began.

Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of chaos as drones plummeted from the sky, striking audience members indiscriminately. The young boy sustained severe injuries to his chest and face, necessitating emergency heart surgery . His mother shared harrowing details on social media about finding her son unconscious amid panicked crowds. This incident not only underscores potential lapses in safety measures but also highlights a growing concern among families regarding the safety of drone shows as entertainment options .

The aftermath of this incident has led to calls for accountability from both local authorities and Sky Elements Drones, the company responsible for operating the show. Parents of injured children are demanding thorough investigations and stricter regulations governing drone performances at public events. As drone technology continues to evolve and become more prevalent in entertainment settings, it is imperative that regulatory bodies enforce stringent safety standards to protect audiences from such devastating accidents .

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Sarah H

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