A retired chemical engineer says it is lucky no-one was hurt after an Amazon drone crashed into a residential garden in Darlington. Fire crews and Amazon Prime Air teams were called to Beaumont Hill on Wednesday morning after the unmanned aerial vehicle crashed during a delivery.
Drone crashes in garden
John Peacock said he heard a "huge noise" at around 10.15am and initially thought neighbours were having work done. When he looked outside, he saw the drone on the ground with its motors and propellers still running, which he described as "destroying themselves." Limited damage was done to a privet hedge and a paved driveway.
Amazon launched its first drone parcel delivery service in May this year, after testing began in January. The tech giant said its drones use "sophisticated technology to avoid obstacles and ensure the safety of people, pets and property."
Resident concerned about drone use
John expressed worries about the use of drones. He told ChronicleLive: "It wasn't huge but it's a substantial-sized body with a lot of energy, when the thing landed, it was very, very powerful. I don't think they're designed for an urban or semi rural environment, I'm not in favour of them at all."
"They're noisy and intrusive and a bit of a gimmick round, there's no need for it round here. It's all battlefield technology, I don't think it should be allowed at all. If kids were playing in the garden and a bit of propeller came through, they could be hurt. It's just lucky no-one was injured."
Amazon statement
Amazon said an object extending above the roof of a moving vehicle came into contact with a Prime Air drone. No injuries resulted from the incident, and the drone was quickly recovered by the Amazon team.
An Amazon spokesperson said: "While our investigation is ongoing, our initial assessment is that an object extending above the roof of a moving vehicle inadvertently came into contact with a Prime Air drone during delivery. Following the contact, the drone responded as designed and came safely to the ground. We are continuing to investigate and are working closely with the relevant regulatory authorities."
ChronicleLive has approached Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service for comment.
