Federal Authorities Step In Following Two Crashes Involving Amazon Delivery Drones

Two Amazon MK30 delivery drones went down in Arizona on Wednesday morning, leading to probes by two federal bodies.

In the aftermath of the incident, Amazon has temporarily suspended drone deliveries in the West Valley Phoenix Metro Area.

According to local news reports, including an ABC15 Arizona TV segment, the drones struck a crane in Tolleson, Maricopa County, Arizona, around 10 a.m. local time.

The drones were allegedly flying in tight formation when they collided with the crane, which was hoisting equipment at a nearby site.

Both drones came to a stop in adjacent parking lots. One individual experienced smoke inhalation from the debris and was treated, as reported by The Verge.

Amazon operates a distribution hub two miles away from the crash location, where the drones launch and land for deliveries. As noted by The Verge, drone deliveries at this site commenced last November.

The reason for the crash is still undetermined. Amazon’s drones are fitted with a “sense and avoid” system designed to identify and navigate around obstacles. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently looking into the incidents.

Mashable has reached out to Amazon for additional information and will update this post once a response is received.