Amazon Drone Drops Package into Pool as Company Expands Delivery Service
A Texas woman's Amazon Prime Air drone delivery took an unexpected turn when it dropped her package into her backyard swimming pool. Lindsey Austen of Richmond, Texas, had received a notification that her package was out for delivery via drone, and she went outside to investigate the noise.
When she saw the drone open its hatch and drop the package into the pool, Austen was shocked. 'I don't think I'll be wanting any more drone deliveries,' she said.
The incident occurred as Amazon is expanding its drone delivery service to nearly 500 cities nationwide. The company will offer free drone delivery to Prime members, with non-members paying $4.99 per delivery. Orders must have a minimum of $50, otherwise a $2.99 fee will be added for smaller orders.
The drones will primarily fly in suburban areas, away from skyscrapers and major airports, with payloads limited to five pounds each. Amazon has also taken into account local noise ordinances and regulatory hurdles in every community where it operates.