Boston Metropolis Councilor Ed Flynn is asking for a “thorough” investigation into the drone crash on the Celtics’ banner night time watch occasion at Metropolis Corridor Plaza, blasting occasion workers and the media for a “lack of accountability.”
Flynn posted his response to Tuesday night time’s incident on social media Thursday afternoon, saying town should “implement stricter regulations and oversight to prevent future occurrences.”
“As a city that takes pride in its public safety, especially for large events such as this, the lack of accountability and disregard for the welfare of attendees is unacceptable,” Flynn wrote in an announcement posted on X. “We need to ensure any and all media outlets or vendors using city property adhere to strict safety guidelines and that all equipment is used responsibly.”
A CNN worker had been working the drone throughout the high-spirited festivities, flying it between two timber when it “accidentally struck a light pole” and crashed, injuring two spectators, a Boston Police report states.
“(He) further stated he was operating the drone as an employee of Cable News Network,” the police report provides.
The incident unfolded round 7:30 p.m., minutes after Banner 18 rose to the rafters at TD Backyard. The CNN worker was attempting to seize footage of nation artist Shaboozey’s stage efficiency when the drone dropped.
“This event, hosted by TNT, was anticipated by the people of Boston and Celtics fans to gather and celebrate hoisting Banner 18 on opening night,” Flynn wrote in his assertion. “However, this incident has unfortunately left many unnerved and disappointed.”
One fan struck by the drone bled “heavily from his right hand” and acquired therapy on the scene however declined additional medical consideration, the police report states. The opposite fan felt “significant pain on her head, neck, and left shoulder area” and was taken to the hospital.
After the incident, the CNN worker introduced a Boston police officer together with his Federal Aviation Administration distant operator license. Police recovered the downed drone, which they recognized as a DJI Mavic 3 drone, and returned it to CNN’s vp of tech operations.
CNN is beneath the identical Warner Bros. Discovery umbrella as TNT.
“Unfortunately, there was an incident involving a drone and fans attending last night’s event,” an occasions spokesperson for TNT Sports mentioned in an announcement on Wednesday.
“On-site medical and safety personnel immediately attended to the situation,” the spokesperson added. “We are currently investigating further and wish all involved well.”
The FAA has confirmed it’s also investigating the incident.
“Our city’s focus on public safety must continue to be our top priority,” Flynn wrote in his assertion, “and we owe it to our residents that such incidents do not happen again.”
