Several small drones collided with each other and then fell into a crowd during a holiday drone show in Florida on Saturday evening, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
One person was injured during the show at Orlando’s Lake Eola Park, according to the mayor’s office. Officials have not identified that person or indicated whether their injuries were related to the falling drones.
Orlando police detectives met with the victim’s family at the hospital, officials said. Local law enforcement will assist the FAA in investigating the collision.
Saturday’s collision happened around 6:45 p.m. local time, officials said. A second light show, scheduled for 8 p.m., was canceled due to what the city of Orlando described as “technical difficulties.”
Drone arrays and light shows are subject to FAA regulations, with the FAA “thoroughly” reviewing each drone show application to ensure people are safe in the air and on the ground, the agency said.
The FAA is reviewing a number of areas, including the software that controls the drones, procedures for setting up safe and restricted areas to keep people at a safe distance from the drone show, procedures in case a drone or drones fail and procedures if an aircraft comes close. to the show.
According to Orlando authorities, about 25,000 people come to watch the drones. This was the third year for the holiday drone show and was managed by Sky Elements, Orlando authorities said.
Sky Elements Drones said in a statement released by CBS News affiliate WKMG that it was working with the FAA and city of Orlando officials to “determine the cause and is committed to getting a clear picture of what happened.”
“Sky Elements Drones would like to extend our sincere hope for a full and speedy recovery to those affected at our Lake Eola show in Orlando on Saturday, December 21. The well-being of our audience is our top priority, and we regret any distress or harm caused inconvenience,” said Sky Elements Drones. “We are working diligently with the FAA and City of Orlando officials to determine the cause and strive to get a clear picture of what happened. Millions of people see our shows every year and we are committed to maintaining the highest safety standards set by the FAA.”
The drone incident in Florida follows an ongoing incident mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey and other parts of the eastern US
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