11-month-old girl injured after private drone crashes in Pasadena

PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- An 11-month-old girl was injured when a privately owned drone crashed near the baby and her mother in Pasadena.

The mother was pushing her baby in a stroller along Marengo Avenue near Union Street on Sept. 12 when the drone slammed into the ground near them shortly before 6:30 p.m.

The drone shattered, sending sharp pieces flying into the little girl's face and head and toward her mother's legs.

The child was treated at Huntington Memorial Hospital for a large contusion on her forehead and a 1/4-inch cut on the side of her head. Pasadena police said the child's mother was not injured.

The drone's owner, a 24-year-old male, remained at the crash site and waited for law enforcement to arrive. He told investigators that he was flying his drone while attending an event in front of Pasadena City Hall before he lost control of the aircraft.

Investigators are looking into whether he violated aviation regulations.

The Federal Aviation Administration released a statement saying the agency is investigating the incident.

The FAA also said it is stepping up education and enforcement efforts to urge safe operations of unmanned aircraft, and drone operators flying "carelessly or recklessly" can face fines from $1,000 to $25,000 depending on the severity of the incident.

There are currently no municipal restrictions regarding drones.