A 7-year-old boy was seriously injured during a holiday drone show in Orlando, Florida, when a drone struck him in the chest. The incident occurred during the city-hosted third annual Holiday Drone Show at Lake Eola Park, where several small drones collided and fell into the crowd. The boy was hospitalized after the incident, while no other injuries were reported.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident and stated that they look at various safety measures before approving such events, including software used, crowd flow maps, geofencing capabilities, and staffing. The show was canceled after the 6:30 p.m. display, where the incident occurred, even though it was supposed to be reprised at 8 p.m.
Sky Elements Drones, the producer of the show, expressed regret over the incident and is working with authorities to determine the cause. The company has previously helped with drone light shows for major sports leagues.
The mother of the injured boy expressed her shock and disappointment over the incident, stating that no family should have to go through such an experience at a public event. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures at drone shows and the potential risks involved in such events.
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