Fear and Irony: Mysterious “Rogue Drones” vs. Our Own Backyard
In the weeks leading up to the accident, people across Miami and other parts of the country voiced growing apprehension about unidentified drones near public events and critical infrastructure. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently expanded its power to take down rogue drones that pose an imminent threat. The irony here, many say, is that the very threat materialized not from an unknown source, but from a contracted event that was supposed to be family-friendly.
“We’ve been worried about rogue drones from who-knows-where, and yet the attack came from a domestic show we all trusted,” an Orlando resident commented.
A joyful holiday celebration morphed into a nightmare for a young boy and his family, shining a spotlight on the potential dangers of entertainment drone shows. The liability landscape looks daunting: the City of Orlando might bear responsibility for approving an event that turned hazardous, and Sky Elements, owned by Rick Boss, faces tough questions about the hardware and safety measures it deployed.
While the FAA continues its probe into drone-related incidents, the public is left to question whether local officials and private companies alike exercised the prudence demanded by emerging drone technologies. Alexander’s hospitalization may well be the tipping point that compels tighter regulations and more robust oversight to ensure this type of accident never happens again.
If you or someone you know witnesses drone mismanagement or experiences a drone-related injury, document everything, report promptly to local authorities, and consider consulting legal counsel.
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