A drone used by TNT for pregame coverage of Boston Celtics’ NBA opener crashed during an opening watch party on Tuesday night, injuring two people with another, an elderly woman, going to hospital.
Police said the drone was flying between two trees when the operator accidentally struck a light pole at around 7:30pm, according to local reports, causing it to land in the crowd where thousands had gathered to celebrate the return of the NBA.
The Federal Aviation Administration have since confirmed they are investigating the incident. The drone was operated by CNN, who are owned by the same Warner Bros. Discovery network as TNT.
TNT’s opening night live show was being broadcast at City Hall Plaza in Boston, with Ernie Johnson joined by Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley.
Yousef Kobeissi, who was hit by the drone, told Boston 25 News: ‘I hear a loud sound, sounds like a banging sound, suddenly I feel something hit my head right here.
Thousands attended TNT’s NBA opening night show in Boston, where a drone crashed
There was huge excitement in the city as the Celtics, NBA champions, started the new season
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‘I was initially very scared because there was a loud sound and then felt something sharp hit my head and then I hear the woman next to me scream and it seems like she was going to fall.’
Another injured person, Derek Scrima, has two cut fingers from the incident and told the news channel: ‘I was completely caught off guard.
‘It was scary because my mind was like “I could have just got my two fingers cut off.”‘
Scrima was also reported by CBS Boston as describing the woman who needed hospital treatment as elderly.
TNT have acknowledged the accident, saying in a statement reported by Boston.com: ‘Unfortunately, there was an incident involving a drone and fans attending tonight’s event.
‘On-site medical and safety personnel immediately attended to the situation. We are currently investigating further and wish all involved well.’
The Celtics are the reigning NBA champions and fans who were unable to get a ticket for Game 1 against the New York Knicks instead headed to City Hall Plaza.
Crowds had started to gather from around 4:30pm on the day, with many Celtics fans wanting to arrive early to watch on the big screens as their team raised the banner to commemorate title No 18 before the Knicks game started.
Fans gathered in big numbers as TNT headed to Boston’s City Hall Plaza for opening night
The event also featured musical performances by Shaboozey and Benson Boone before the television broadcast began.
As for the game itself, the Celtics recorded a commanding 132-109 triumph over the Knicks.
The Celtics are back in action on Thursday night against Washington Wizards.