Tragedy struck off the set of the new Batman film, The Dark Knight, on Monday when a camera van collided with a tree killing one of the occupants. The crash took place during what's being described as a "filming production exercise" where the Batmobile was being followed by an SUV while on a test track in Longcross.
While it's unclear as to why the vehicle lost control, an investigation is currently underway by the Surrey Police and the Health and Safety Executive.
Warner Bros., the production company behind the new Batman flick, released a statement regarding the crash, which you can read excerpts of by following the "Read" link below.
Thanks for the tip, Sparky.
[Source: BBC News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Generation Automobile @ Sep 25th 2007 3:42PM
It is always sad to ear that someone died in «the line of duty» and I would like to send my condoleances to the family and friends of this fellow.
Pete from http://www.gen-auto.ca
J. D. Billiford @ Sep 25th 2007 3:48PM
>>> Allow me to second that.
HineyWipe @ Sep 25th 2007 3:51PM
Sad.
Heard it lost its wheels.
And the joker got away.
(ok ok...sad)
Poe @ Sep 25th 2007 3:59PM
What kind of "test track" has TREES in close proximity???
Menice @ Sep 25th 2007 4:19PM
i was thinking the same thing. according to the link it was a test run (prior to yelling "action" i guess)..
"It appears one vehicle was undertaking some stunt driving and another 4x4 provided the camera platform.
i dont htink they mean test track like you and i are thinking.
aman @ Sep 25th 2007 3:59PM
Really sucks. Condolences to family.
SPG @ Sep 25th 2007 4:56PM
A good camera man will stop at nothing for the perfect shot.
However, I hope this tragedy is not forgotten.
andybee @ Sep 25th 2007 6:15PM
Longcross is a development test track which use to be owned by the Ministry of Defence near Cherstey in the UK. Its now used by car manufactures for PR, TV (Fifth Gear, Driven use it a lot) and also lots of small tarmac rallies. Quite a few of McLaren F1 PR pics were also taken there.
Part of the circuit is a high(ish) speed section with a long sweeping arc which tightens IIRC. There are also lots of small access roads including 'The Snake' which bites(!) which the tarmac rallies used.
Its not a test track in the sense that manufactures would 'test' there cars, more to show them off to the press.
some pics from a recent rally here http://stevekilvington.fotopic.net/c1148509.html
paul34 @ Sep 25th 2007 8:42PM
I'm sorry to hear this, really. Condolences to everyone involved.
Regardless, I wonder what kind of chase this was? From what I'm thinking, I'm also thinking a SUV was possibly the worst vehicle to use for this. However, I suppose that the choice of vehicles for use with a movie camera and filmcrew is rather limited. I'd imagine that with the weight distribution and amount of equipment, a smaller, better handling vehicle probably wouldn't have worked anyway.
A tragedy indeed.
Bryan @ Sep 25th 2007 11:30PM
Thats terrible! God bless all!