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Why drones fell from the sky during Sydney's Vivid light show

ABC Australia · May 26, 2026, 7:50 PM · Also reported by 3 other sources

Key takeaways

  • The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into the mishap, which UK company Sky Magic blamed on radio interference.
  • Of the 1,000 twinkling drones that swarmed above Darling Harbour, 83 splashed into Cockle Bay.
  • An effort is underway to fish the drones from the harbour to minimise pollution from the lithium-ion batteries that power them.

Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.

Link copied Share Share article. The company behind the drone shows at Sydney's Vivid festival said spectators were not at risk when almost 90 unmanned aircraft fell from the sky during a display on Monday night.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into the mishap, which UK company Sky Magic blamed on radio interference.

Of the 1,000 twinkling drones that swarmed above Darling Harbour, 83 splashed into Cockle Bay.

Article preview — originally published by ABC Australia. Full story at the source.
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