FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (latestsports) – What was supposed to be a dazzling New Year’s Eve drone show on Folly Beach took a dramatic turn Tuesday night when drones malfunctioned and began falling from the sky, leading to the event’s cancellation.
Organizers had planned the show as a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fireworks. The event, scheduled to feature 250 drones, was expected to wow spectators with choreographed lights in the night sky. Instead, the display was cut short due to an unexpected technical issue, leaving at least one person injured.
Incident Unfolds
According to Folly Beach police, the show began as scheduled at 7 p.m. and initially appeared to proceed without issue. However, approximately three minutes into the performance, attendees alerted nearby officers that drones were descending uncontrollably.
“Spectators from the crowd started shouting to police officers nearby that drones were falling from the sky,” a statement from the police department noted.
The situation escalated rapidly, with drones descending for about 30 seconds. Police explained that the descent was part of a safety protocol designed to guide malfunctioning drones back to their designated landing zone. Despite these measures, at least one drone struck an individual during the descent.
The injured party, an adult male, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated on-site by Folly Beach Fire Rescue.
Safety Concerns Prompt Cancellation
After the initial issue, organizers paused the event for approximately 20 minutes to assess the situation. However, just before 7:30 p.m., the show was officially canceled due to ongoing safety concerns.
Police confirmed that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had been notified and would investigate the cause of the malfunction.
“At this time, we are not speculating on how or why this incident occurred,” Folly Beach police stated.
A Community Event Takes a Hit
The drone show was part of a broader effort to modernize Folly Beach’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. With increasing concerns about the environmental impact of fireworks, organizers hoped the drones would offer an innovative and eco-friendly alternative.
Despite the setback, other community events proceeded as planned, including the annual Flip Flop Drop on Center Street. This beloved local tradition brings together residents and visitors to ring in the new year with unique beachside charm.
Reactions from the Community
Residents and attendees expressed a mix of disappointment and relief after the incident.
“We were really looking forward to the show,” said one local resident. “It’s a shame it had to be canceled, but I’m glad they prioritized safety.”
Others noted the potential for improvement in future events. “Technology like this is always going to have risks, but I hope they can figure out what went wrong and try again next year,” commented another spectator.
Looking Ahead
As the FAA investigates the incident, questions remain about the root cause of the malfunction and what steps can be taken to prevent similar issues in the future.
For now, the Folly Beach community is left reflecting on an evening that could have been a groundbreaking celebration but instead served as a reminder of the challenges that come with adopting new technology. Despite the disruption, the spirit of the holiday season prevailed, as residents and visitors embraced the other festivities and welcomed 2024 with optimism.
