A test of high-tech delivery turned into a very real-world scare in Richardson yesterday, when an Amazon Prime Air drone hit the side of an apartment building, crashed onto a sidewalk, and started smoking. Fire crews quickly responded to the scene near Routh Creek Parkway, confirmed the device never caught fire, and reported that no one was hurt.
Crash Caught On Camera Near Routh Creek Parkway
The impact, which happened at roughly 5 p.m., was captured on video by a nearby resident and FOX 4 Dallas‑Fort Worth viewer Cessy Johnson. The footage shows the drone striking the apartment complex, then lying on the sidewalk as smoke rises from the wreckage.
Richardson firefighters told the station they arrived to find smoke but no active flames, and they confirmed there were no injuries at the scene.
Prime Air Missteps Drawing Federal Scrutiny
The Richardson crash lands at an awkward moment for Amazon, as its Prime Air program is already under federal scrutiny after a string of recent mishaps. Those include two drones that struck a crane in Tolleson, Arizona, and a November incident in Waco in which an MK30 clipped an internet cable, prompting a federal review, according to Barron’s. The episodes have raised questions about how well the drones can detect obstacles and navigate in tightly packed neighborhoods.
Amazon Launches Internal Investigation
An Amazon spokesperson told FOX 4 Dallas‑Fort Worth that the company is investigating what went wrong in Richardson and is coordinating repairs to the damaged apartment building. In a statement relayed to the station, the company apologized for any inconvenience and again emphasized that no one was injured.
What Comes Next For Regulators And Residents
Neighbors and local officials will be watching to see how Amazon follows up and whether federal aviation authorities decide to open a formal inquiry into the Richardson crash. Earlier federal reviews led Amazon to tweak inspection routines and temporarily change operations in some test markets, coverage shows…