Star Wars actor Harrison Ford was airlifted to hospital today after he was crushed on the set of the new movie.
The 71-year-old Hollywood star was at Pinewood studios in Buckinghamshire when a hydraulic door fell down and hit him as he began work on Star Wars: Episode VII.
The Han Solo actor, who also played Indiana Jones, fell to the ground in agony and after medics assessed him on the M Stage at the studios close to spaceship the Millennium Falcon, he was taken by stretcher onto a helicopter for further treatment.
Ford was taken by air ambulance to the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford with a suspected fracture in his ankle. It is understood he has no major chest injuries but is awaiting results of further tests.
The NHS hospital has a trauma unit that specialises in fracture clinics with dedicated and purpose-designed buildings.
The building also provides facilities for radiological investigation and therapy treatment for all trauma patients.
Tonight it was unclear how long he will be unable to film for, but his filming schedule will be ripped up and there will be concerns from some fans this could delay the movie.
The set of Stars Wars will also be re-checked for safety.
A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: “We were called to Pinewood studios at 5.05pm after reports of a 71-year-old man being injured by a garage door.”
The Health And Safety Executive has launched an investigation into the incident.
An HSE spokesperson said: “We have been made aware of an incident at Pinewood studios and are making initial enquiries.”
Ford could be entitled to claim money on the film’s insurance if the door was found to be at fault.
A spokesman for the film said: “Harrison Ford sustained an ankle injury during filming today on the set of Star Wars: Episode VII. He was taken to a local hospital and is receiving care. Shooting will continue as planned while he recuperates.”
The spokesman also insisted he did not have an injury to his chest.
Star Wars: Episode VII began filming in mid-May when Director JJ Abrams’ company Bad Robot tweeted a picture of the Episode VII clapper board with the message “#dayone” from Abu Dhabi.
The film will be the first Star Wars title released by Disney, after creator George Lucas sold the rights to the franchise in 2012.
It will also see the return of the three principal characters from the original trilogy – Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford).
