A seven-year-old boy was seriously injured at a holiday drone show when one of the devices fell out of the sky and struck him in the chest, his mother says.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said “several” small drones collided during the event in Orlando, Florida, on Sunday, with some falling into the crowd.
No other injuries were reported.
Adriana Edgerton told an affiliate of Sky News’ sister outlet NBC News that her son, Alexander, underwent heart surgery as a result of his injury.
“Everyone’s natural instinct was to duck and scatter, and before we realised it, my daughter found my son on the floor unconscious,” she said. “He had blood coming out of his face.”
She said that injuries like this should not happen at public events: “We were trying to watch a show and have a good time.”
Promoting the event in advance, Orlando city said: “This show will feature a dazzling display of synchronised drones flying in formation to create beautiful holiday-themed designs in the night sky.
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“Attendees will be able to sit back and watch the 15-minute light show from the comfort of their own blankets and lawn chairs.”
Drone shows have grown in popularity in recent years as an alternative to firework displays.
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The Orlando Fire Department named Sky Elements Drones, of Coppell, Texas, as the producer of the show.
“We are diligently working with the FAA and City of Orlando officials to determine the cause and are committed to establishing a clear picture of what transpired,” the company said.
“The wellbeing of our audience is our utmost priority,” it said, “and we regret any distress or inconvenience caused.”
