A highly anticipated drone light show set to take place in Central Park on New Year’s Eve has been canceled. The decision came after a tragic incident in Florida last weekend, where a drone show malfunctioned, leading to drones falling into the crowd and severely injuring a young boy.
The event, organized by the New York Road Runners (NYRR), was intended to coincide with their annual Midnight Run through the park. NYRR released a statement expressing their commitment to providing an unforgettable experience for participants but confirmed the cancellation of the drone show. “Unfortunately, due to circumstances out of our control, we will no longer be staging our planned drone show during the race,” the organization said.
The Central Park show was to be produced by Texas-based Sky Elements, the same company responsible for the Florida holiday event. That show, held at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, turned catastrophic when drones collided mid-air and fell into the crowd below, injuring a 7-year-old boy.
The child’s injuries were severe, requiring open-heart surgery after a drone struck his chest, damaging a heart valve. The boy’s mother recounted the horrifying event, noting that the drone’s blade cut his mouth and left an imprint on his chest.
Sky Elements stated the Orlando mishap, emphasizing their commitment to safety and cooperation with officials in investigating the incident. “The well-being of our audience is our utmost priority, and we regret any distress or inconvenience caused,” the company said.
The cancellation of the Central Park drone show is unrelated to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) ongoing month-long ban on drone flights in the New York City area. That restriction, imposed due to a surge in reported sightings, has primarily affected areas in New Jersey since mid-November.
Despite the disappointment, the NYRR remains focused on ensuring the Midnight Run is a festive and memorable event for participants, continuing its tradition of ringing in the New Year in Central Park.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
