Local News
7-year-old boy undergoing emergency heart surgery after being injured by falling drones during a Christmas holiday show in Orlando
Orlando, FL – A festive Christmas drone show in Orlando turned into a chaotic scene Saturday evening when drones collided mid-air and plummeted into the crowd below at high speed, resulting in several reported injuries, including a young boy who is now in critical condition.
The incident occurred during the 6:30 p.m. performance at Lake Eola Park, where hundreds of drones from Sky Elements Drones, in partnership with the City of Orlando, were orchestrating an elaborate display of red and green lights.
The drones were programmed to form intricate holiday-themed patterns, enchanting the audience before the mishap.
Eyewitness videos captured the moment of the collision, as gasps of surprise and cries from frightened children echoed throughout the crowd.
In one video, a young child’s voice can be heard asking, “What’s happening?” as the malfunctioning drones plummeted toward the ground.
The Orlando Fire Department reported that one person sustained minor injuries during the incident.
However, two mothers, Jessica Lumedge and Adriana Edgerton, claimed that their young son was struck in the face by a falling drone and is now “fighting for his life” in the emergency room.
The boy’s mothers shared emotional updates on social media, accompanied by photos of their son in a hospital bed with visible injuries. Jessica Lumedge wrote, “Pray for my son, we went to the drone show at Lake Eola, and one of the drones hit him in the face. I’ve never been so scared.”
Adriana Edgerton echoed the sentiment, adding, “My baby is going into emergency heart surgery after just trying to watch a drone show. I am beyond words, beyond terrified. [The City of Orlando] and Sky Elements Drones really have some explaining to do. They will be held accountable for what was done to my son. I pray he makes it out of this!”
Despite the accident, the show continued for the remainder of the 6:30 p.m. performance. However, the subsequent 8 p.m. show was canceled, the City of Orlando announced on X (formerly Twitter).
Andrea Otero, the city’s public information manager, told People magazine, “We are in contact with the vendor to determine what occurred with the operation. The FAA is handling the investigation.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is now working with local officials and the drone operator, Sky Elements Drones, to uncover the cause of the mid-air collision.
This incident has raised concerns over safety protocols for public drone displays and left the Orlando community shaken. The thoughts of many remain with the injured boy and his family as they await updates on his condition.
Local News
Extreme Surf Causes Partial Collapse of Santa Cruz Pier, Prompting Water Rescues
A powerful surge of extremely high surf battered the California coast on Monday, leading to the partial collapse of the iconic Santa Cruz Pier.
The damaged portion of the pier broke away and was seen floating in the turbulent waters, underscoring the severity of the wave action caused by the extreme weather conditions.
Reports indicate that water rescues are currently underway as emergency crews respond to individuals caught in the perilous conditions.
Authorities are urging the public to stay away from the water and maintain a safe distance from the shoreline as dangerous waves continue to crash against the coast.
Video footage from the scene captures the ominous, towering waves on the horizon, creating a hazardous environment for anyone venturing near the water.
Local officials have issued warnings about the life-threatening risks of entering or approaching the surf, emphasizing that such actions endanger not only those individuals but also the lives of rescue personnel tasked with their recovery.
The Santa Cruz Pier, a beloved landmark, is a hub for local residents and tourists alike, making its damage a stark reminder of the raw power of nature.
Engineers and safety officials are expected to assess the structural integrity of the remaining portions of the pier once conditions improve.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of heeding safety advisories during this period of intense surf, which is likely linked to a combination of weather patterns, including a significant storm system and high tides.
Residents and visitors are urged to monitor updates from the National Weather Service (NWS) and local emergency services as they continue to respond to the evolving situation.