OSHA Probes Accident on Set of Eddie Murphy’s Latest Film

Eddie Murphy arrives for the premiere of "You People" at the Regency Village Theater in Los Angeles on Jan. 17, 2023. Lisa O’Connor/AFP via Getty Images

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating an action scene gone wrong during filming for Eddie Murphy’s upcoming heist comedy that led to multiple injuries.

That’s according to agency spokesperson Erika Ruthman who informed Forbes about the case.

The accident occurred on the set of Amazon MGM Studios‘ feature film “The Pickup” in Atlanta, Georgia.

OSHA has confirmed with The Epoch Times that it has initiated the investigation, adding no other information will be provided while the case is open.

The studio confirmed on Tuesday that several crew members were hurt, and two were hospitalized while filming the second unit sequence on April 20.

“Unfortunately, the sequence did not go as planned and several members of the crew were injured as a result,” said a studio spokesperson to Associated Press. 

According to the Associated Press, the scene involved a truck that reportedly “locked up” and crashed unexpectedly into another car. Further, the report detailed that the injuries ranged from bruises to broken bones but did not disclose the roles of the crew members who were hurt.

In a statement, a studio spokesperson reassured that all safety precautions were taken and that this wasn’t the first time the scene had been rehearsed.

“We are still in the process of gathering facts on what happened and why, but first and foremost our thoughts are with those who are recovering…the well-being of the entire crew and cast is our first priority, and we will continue to insist on the highest industry standards of safety while filming,” said the statement.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the union representing crew members in the U.S. entertainment industry, said it, too, is looking into the incident.

“IATSE is aware of an accident that took place on the Georgia set of ‘The Pickup’ and have started an inquiry,” said the statement to Deadline.

A new law is set to go into effect in California next year to address set safety. The bill, backed by The Directors Guild of America and the California IATSE Council, pushes for new safety standards surrounding the use of firearms and ammunition for any production receiving state tax credits.

‘The Pickup’ Movie

Amazon MGM won a bidding war for “The Pickup” last year. The plot currently remains under wraps, but it’s reported that the premise will follow a man played by Mr. Murphy, who becomes entangled in a heist attempt while pursuing a woman’s affections.

Mr. Murphy leads the film’s cast alongside a number of other big names like Keke Palmer, Pete Davidson, Andrew Dice Clay, Eva Longoria, and Marshawn Lynch.

He also serves as a producer through his Eddie Murphy Productions banner.

Meanwhile, neither Mr. Murphy nor the film’s other stars were reportedly on set at the time of the incident, according to AP.

Filming was being held at “Shadowbox Studios” and began shooting in February. A release date has yet to be set, but it is reported that production will not see any delay as a result of the accident.