Holiday Performance Halted After Multiple Drones Fall Into Crowd
A 7-year-old boy underwent emergency open-heart surgery after being struck by a falling drone during Orlando’s Holiday Drone Show at Lake Eola Park on December 21, 2024. The incident occurred during the first of two scheduled performances when multiple drones collided mid-air and plummeted into the crowd. The Federal Aviation Administration launched an investigation into the accident, while show operator Sky Elements Drones expressed regret over the incident. The City of Orlando canceled the second scheduled performance immediately after the accident.
5 Key Points
- A drone collision during the 6:30 PM show resulted in multiple devices falling into the audience.
- The impact damaged the child’s heart valve and left cuts on his mouth.
- Show operator Sky Elements Drones is cooperating with FAA investigators.
- The 15-minute holiday show was designed to create festive patterns above Lake Eola.
- City officials canceled the 8 PM performance, citing “technical difficulties.”
Drone Collision Sends 7-Year-Old to Emergency Surgery
At 6:30 PM on December 21, multiple drones collided above Lake Eola Park in Orlando, sending several devices plunging into the crowd gathered for the holiday show. One drone struck a 7-year-old boy in the chest with enough force to damage his heart valve, requiring immediate hospitalization. The boy’s mother described the impact as leaving a visible chest imprint while a blade from the fallen drone cut his mouth. Orlando Fire Department paramedics transported the child directly from Lake Eola Park to the hospital, where doctors performed emergency open-heart surgery to repair the damaged valve.
City Officials Halt Second Show After First Performance Disaster
The City of Orlando canceled the scheduled 8 PM performance within minutes of the accident, citing “technical difficulties” in their Facebook announcement. Sky Elements Drones, which operates similar shows across the country, released a statement through their spokesperson: “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 emphasized its previous safety record, noting that “millions of people see our shows annually” while pledging to maintain FAA safety regulations.
Federal Aviation Administration Launches Immediate Investigation
The FAA confirmed the multiple-drone collision in their initial statement to WKMG: “Several small drones collided and fell into a crowd during a holiday drone show over Lake Eola in Orlando, Florida.” Investigators will examine what caused the synchronized drones to malfunction during the choreographed holiday display. The 15-minute show, advertised as “a dazzling display of synchronized drones flying in formation,” was designed to create holiday-themed patterns in the night sky over downtown Orlando’s signature park.
Lake Eola Show Turned Holiday Celebration Into Emergency Scene
The December 21 performance at Lake Eola Park marked the city’s attempt to bring innovative holiday entertainment to the downtown venue. The Walt Disney Amphitheater, which typically hosts concerts and theatrical productions, served as the backdrop for the drone show. Lake Eola Park, known for its swan-shaped paddle boats and resident swans, draws visitors year-round to its circular walking path surrounding the lake. The drone show’s sudden end and subsequent emergency response disrupted the standard holiday atmosphere at one of Orlando’s most popular public spaces.
FAQ
Q: What caused the drones to fall during the Orlando holiday show?
A: The exact cause remains under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration. Sky Elements Drones and the City of Orlando officials are cooperating to determine what triggered the mid-air collision.
Q: How serious were the child’s injuries from the drone impact?
A: The 7-year-old boy suffered severe injuries requiring emergency open-heart surgery due to a damaged heart valve. The drone impact left an imprint on his chest, and a blade from the device cut his mouth.
Q: Did other spectators suffer injuries during the incident?
A: According to the Orlando Fire Department, only one person – the 7-year-old boy – was reported injured and transported to the hospital during the event.
Q: Are drone shows common at Lake Eola Park?
A: This holiday drone show represented a new attraction at Lake Eola Park, which typically features more traditional entertainment like concerts and plays at its Walt Disney Amphitheater.
Q: What safety regulations govern drone shows like this one?
A: Drone shows must follow Federal Aviation Administration safety regulations. Sky Elements Drones stated they are “committed to maintaining the highest safety regulations set forth by the FAA.”
Citations
McCloud, Cheryl (December 23, 2024). Falling drone during Florida holiday show seriously injures 7-year-old boy. What we know. Florida Today. https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2024/12/23/drone-show-orlando-florida-lake-eola-boy-injured-faa/77168155007/
