The New York Times recently released video footage of a harrowing accident that occurred on the set of Eddie Murphy’s film, “The Pickup.” The incident, which took place on April 20, involved a collision between an SUV and an armored truck, resulting in two individuals being hospitalized and several others sustaining injuries. The video, captured on a cellphone, shows the moment when the armored truck veered into the SUV, causing both vehicles to careen off the road and flip over before coming to a stop. The footage ends with a chilling image of a person’s body hanging out of the armored truck door.
The exact cause of the accident has not yet been determined, but initial reports suggest that it was part of a planned stunt sequence that went awry. Both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees are conducting investigations into the incident to ascertain the circumstances that led to the collision.
In a statement issued by Amazon MGM Studios, the production company behind “The Pickup,” a spokesperson expressed regret over the incident and emphasized the priority placed on the safety and well-being of the cast and crew. The statement acknowledged that the rehearsed action sequence did not unfold as intended, resulting in injuries to several crew members. Amazon MGM Studios reiterated its commitment to upholding the highest safety standards during filming and assured that all necessary precautions had been taken and monitored before and during the shoot.
The release of the video by the New York Times has shed light on the severity of the accident and raised questions about the safety protocols in place on film sets. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in performing stunts and action sequences in the entertainment industry, where the line between fiction and reality can blur with devastating consequences.
As investigations into the accident continue, the focus remains on supporting the recovery of those injured and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future. The incident has prompted discussions within the industry about the need for stricter safety measures and increased oversight to protect the well-being of all individuals involved in film production.
The video released by the New York Times serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in filmmaking and underscores the importance of prioritizing safety above all else on set. As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident and the steps that will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.