Boy undergoes open heart surgery after being hit by drone at Orlando holiday show [View all]

ORLANDO, Fla. —
The Federal Aviation Administration opened an investigation after multiple drones fell into a crowd during a drone show at Lake Eola on Saturday. Video obtained by WESH 2 News shows drones zipping through the air before several collided and crashed into the crowd. The Orlando Fire Department said one person was injured during the event and sent to a hospital.

Adriana Edgerton said the person injured was her 7-year-old son Alezander. She said her son is undergoing open-heart surgery after being hit in the chest by the drone. Edgerton said that her family was watching the drone show when multiple drones fell from the sky, and one hit her son. "Everyone’s natural instinct was to duck and scatter, and before we realized it, my daughter found my son on the floor unconscious. He had blood coming out of his face," Edgerton said. The boy underwent hours of open-heart surgery Sunday after the drone struck his chest with such force that it damaged one of his heart valves, Edgerton said. “The blade cut his mouth, but there’s an actual imprint of the drone on his chest,” she said.

A spokesperson from the FAA released a statement saying the agency will investigate "after several small drones collided and fell into a crowd during a holiday drone show over Lake Eola in Orlando, Florida." According to the FAA, "Drone arrays and light shows are subject to FAA regulation. Typically, these events require a waiver to the regulation that prohibits operating more than one drone at a time. We thoroughly review each drone show application to make sure the flying public and people on the ground will be safe."

Edgerton said more safety precautions need to be put in place for large-scale events in Orlando. "This should not have happened, and no family should be going through this. We were trying to watch a show and have a good time," said Edgerton. The drone show was organized by Sky Elements, a Texas-based company that performs events nationwide. In a statement, Sky Elements said, “Sky Elements Drones wants to extend our sincere hope for a full and speedy recovery for those impacted at our Lake Eola show.” The company added that it remains committed to upholding the highest safety standards.

https://www.wesh.com/article/mom-speaks-out-after-son-was-hit-by-a-drone-at-orlandos-holiday-show/63258505