Moment crew rushes to save Oscar winner from speeding train during filming
The desperate moment a film crew rushed to save the life of Oscar-winning actor William Hurt as he lay across the tracks of a railroad bridge and a train approaches during the filming of Gregg Allman biopic 'Midnight Rider' was captured on camera.
In the terrifying video, the group, which included Wyatt Russell, the actor son of Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, is seen fleeing the tracks in Georgia, USA, as a train rushes towards them.
Hurt and Russell made it to safety but camera assistant Sarah Elizabeth Jones, 27, was killed.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, a prop bed came apart on the tracks and when the train hit it, a piece pushed Jones into the train's way.
The Daily Mail reports that film director Randall Miller pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and criminal trespassing. He will serve two years in prison and eight years' probation, as well as pay a $20,000 fine.
Executive producer Jay Sedrish pleaded guilty to the same charges and received 10 years' probation.
Train operator CSX Transportation had denied the filmmakers' requests to film on the railroad tracks twice.
In court, special assistant district attorney John Johnson said they "knew they did not have permission to be there."
He added: "Everyone knew it was a live track."
Assistant director to the film Hillary Schwartz was also convicted on charges of involuntary manslaughter and criminal trespassing. She received 10 years' probation.
Speaking to reporters outside the court, Jones' father said: "We hope the sacrifice of our daughter's life will continue to change the film industry."
Deadline reports that in a statement from jail, Miller said: "It was a horrible tragedy that will haunt me forever. Although I relied on my team, it is ultimately my responsibility and was my decision to shoot the scripted scene that caused this tragedy."
He added: "I am heartbroken over this. I hope my actions have spared the Jones family more anguish and that the on-set safety measures that were lacking before this terrible tragedy will now take precedence for all in the industry."
Related articles
Lorry driver killed in horrific crash with two trains (video)
Video: Burning railroad bridge collapse caught on camera in US
