'Dark Knight' Batman film special effects man killed

By Mary McSweeney Sep 26, 2007, 0:18 GMT

Christian Bale - Harsh Times Los Angeles Premiere - Crest Theater - Westwood, CA © David Gabber / Photorazzi

A special effects technician working on the new Batman film was killed when a vehicle he was in crashed while on a stunt test run.

Variety reports that the accident happened off-set and there was no filming taking place, according to Warner Bros Pictures.

The victim was on a camera truck which was following a stunt vehicle, identified as  the Batmobile.

An ambulance spokeswoman said he was pronounced dead at a test track in Longcross, in Surrey.

Warner Bros said in a press statement: "There was a fatal accident at a special effects facility for Batman: The Dark Knight.

"A technician on the film died when the truck he was in struck a tree following a test run.

"Warner Bros Pictures and the entire cast and crew of The Dark Knight are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and their hearts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased."

The BBC report that the accident is being investigated by Surrey Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The HSE confirmed two vehicles were on a "filming production exercise".

A spokesman told the BBC: "It appears one vehicle was undertaking some stunt driving and another 4x4 provided the camera platform.

"The second vehicle and a camera operator were involved in a collision with a tree."

Batman: The Dark Knight, stars Christian Bale, Heath ledger, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman.