Film firm fined over Harrison Ford ‘Star Wars’ set accident

LONDON – A film production company was fined 1.6 million pounds ($1.95 million) on Wednesday over an accident on the set of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” that broke the leg of star Harrison Ford.

The actor was struck by a hydraulic door on the set of the Millennium Falcon — his character Han Solo’s spaceship — at Pinewood Studios near London in June 2014.

Production on the film was suspended for two weeks after the accident.

Prosecutors said Ford, who was 71 at the time, could have been killed by the door, which struck him with a force comparable to the weight of a small car.

Foodles Production (UK) Ltd. had acknowledged breaching health and safety law.

A judge at Aylesbury Crown Court north of London said Wednesday that Foodles — which is owned by the Walt Disney Co. — should have informed Ford of the risks.

“If only they had included Mr. Ford in all the discussions, he might have at least been alert to the dangers that he had to avoid,” Judge Francis Sheridan said.

“The Force Awakens” is the seventh installment in the space saga and has taken in more than $2 billion at the box office worldwide since its release last year.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.