A young boy is in a USA hospital fighting for his life after being hit by a drone used as part of a Christmas light show.
Alexander Edgerton, 7, was struck by one of many drones that fell at Lake Eola Park show, held in Orlando, Florida in the US on Saturday evening, December 21.
A video captured the moment the lit-up drones began plunging to the ground and into a lake at around 6.30pm.
Adriana Edgerton, the injured boy’s mother, said her family was watching the show when Alexander was struck in the chest and the lip.
‘Everyone’s natural instinct was to duck and scatter, and right when we knew it, my daughter found my son on the floor unconscious, blood coming out of his face,’ Ms Edgerton told WESH 2.
‘I feel so bad, it’s three days before Christmas,’ she said, adding that Alexander has been in the hospital ever since he was hit.
Alexander was the only person injured at the show, According to he Orlando Fire Department.
The Federal Aviation Administration opened an investigation after multiple drones fell into a crowd during a drone show at Lake Eola on Saturday. Video obtained by WESH 2 News shows drones zipping through the air before several collided and crashed into the crowd. The Orlando Fire Department said one person was injured during the event and sent to a hospital.
‘Several small drones collided and fell into a crowd’ according to a release by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is investigating the incident.
The FAA explained that drone arrays and aerial light shows are subject to its regulations.
‘Typically, these events require a waiver to the regulation that prohibits operating more than one drone at a time. We thoroughly review each drone show application to make sure the flying public and people on the ground will be safe,’ the federal agency said.
Writing on Facebook, the boy’s mum, Ms Edgerton criticised Orlando city government and the company behind the light show, Sky Elements Drones.
‘City of Orlando Government 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!’ she wrote.
Sky Elements Drones released a statement Sunday saying they are working with the FAA and the city to ‘determine the cause and are committed to establishing a clear picture of what transpired.’
‘Sky Elements Drones wants to extend our sincere hope for a full and speedy recovery to those impacted at our Lake Eola show in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 21. The well-being of our audience is our utmost priority, and we regret any distress or inconvenience caused.’
It continued: ‘Millions of people see our shows annually, and we are committed to maintaining the highest safety regulations set forth by the FAA.’