Several Crew Members Injured on Set of Eddie Murphy Movie ‘The Pickup’
Several crew members were injured during filming of an action sequence on the set of “The Pickup” on Saturday.
In total, eight people were hospitalized after an armored truck crashed into a BMW SUV, and both vehicles flipped over, according to a statement from the Georgia State Patrol.
Among the injured was Marvin Haven, a dolly grip who suffered numerous fractures of his ribs, back, neck and skull, according to a GoFundMe set up to support his recovery.
The crash took place at the Stockmar Airport in Villa Rica, about 30 miles west of Atlanta. The armored vehicle, a GMC C6, was supposed to chase the BMW and tap its back wheel area, using a “precision immobilization technique” to bring it to a halt.
But when the truck hit the SUV, its brush guard became entangled in the BMW’s wheel well, causing both vehicles to veer to the left and lose control, police said.
Seven crew members were in the armored vehicle, and two of them were ejected out the back as it flipped, suffering “life-threatening” injuries, the police said. A third person in the back of the vehicle also suffered serious injuries. Only one occupant was in the BMW.
All eight were transported to the hospital, five to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta and three to Wellstar Cobb Medical Center in Austell.
The five crew members in the rear of the armored truck were wearing belt restraints attached to the walls of the vehicle, according to the police.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the crash.
The Amazon Studios feature film has been shooting at Shadowbox Studios in Atlanta.
Amazon confirmed on Tuesday that multiple people were hurt while filming the second unit sequence.
“Unfortunately, the sequence did not go as planned and several members of the crew were injured as a result,” a studio spokesperson stated.
The crash was first reported by the Associated Press. Eddie Murphy stars in the film, along with Keke Palmer and Pete Davidson. None of the three were on set at the time of the accident, according to the AP.
The New York Times published video of the crash on Wednesday, which shows one person thrown clear of the armored vehicle and another partially ejected as the rear doors flew open.
Amazon said it was still seeking further information.
“We are still in the process of gathering facts on what happened and why, but first and foremost our thoughts are with those who are recovering,” the spokesperson said Tuesday. “The well-being of the entire crew and cast is our first priority, and we will continue to insist on the highest industry standards of safety while filming. All safety precautions were reviewed prior to and monitored during the shoot.”
IATSE, which represents crew members, said it was also looking into the situation.
“IATSE is aware of an accident that took place on the Georgia set of ‘The Pickup’ and have started an inquiry,” the union said in a statement.
Second-unit production was reportedly suspended on Sunday.
Updated on April 26 with additional information. Correction: This story initially stated that the injuries occurred during a rehearsal. Amazon said that the scene was rehearsed, not that it was a rehearsal.
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