What was meant to be a dazzling alternative to fireworks ended in chaos as drones from South Carolina’s Folly Beach New Year’s Eve show plummeted to the ground, injuring one spectator. The mishap, reminiscent of a recent drone show debacle in Florida, has sparked an investigation into what went wrong.
The Folly Association of Business (FAB), which organized the event, had aimed to offer an environmentally friendly celebration with a high-tech twist. The drone show kicked off at 7 p.m. on Tuesday night with about 250 drones, but within three minutes, it spiraled into disaster.
Spectators shouted warnings as drones began falling. According to Sgt. Zack Halpern of the Folly Beach Department of Public Safety, the falling drones caused a scene of confusion and concern before the remaining drones initiated a controlled descent. One man sustained facial injuries during the incident. He was treated on-site and released, according to FAB’s statement.
FAB confirmed they are collaborating with Lightyear Drones, the drone show operator, and local authorities to determine the cause of the failure. “New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate, and for reasons beyond our control, we were not able to deliver the spectacular drone show we had planned for the community. At this time, we do not have details on what went wrong with the display,” FAB stated.
Lightyear Drones has expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing their commitment to audience safety. “The wellbeing of our audience is our utmost priority, and we regret any distress or inconvenience caused,” the company said.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been notified and is expected to contribute to the investigation of the drone show fail.
Stuart White, a certified FAA drone operator who attended the event, suggested to local media that high winds from an incoming cold front might have been the root cause. “These systems are not necessarily designed to work well in the wind, that’s in my opinion where the failure happened and honestly, I think it should’ve been canceled before they attempted to do it at all, but there’s immense pressure on the people who are providing that service to make it happen,” he explained.
White estimated hearing at least 15 drones collide mid-air before falling.
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