Shocking video footage has revealed the terrifying moment a cinematographer was nearly beheaded by a classic Rolls-Royce that ploughed into him on a London film set.
A Moment of Panic on Set
The horrific incident occurred on November 22 last year on Carlow Street in Camden. Matt Perren, a 27-year-old cameraman from Rotherhithe, was filming a close-up shot when disaster struck. The driver of a 1990s Rolls-Royce, 47-year-old Kwaku Kyere-Diabour from Beckenham, accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake during the fourth take.
The vehicle lurched forward suddenly, pinning Mr Perren beneath it. He could be heard screaming in agony as the car trapped him. In a state of panic, the driver reportedly pressed the accelerator again as others rushed to help, causing the cameraman to believe the wheel was about to crush his neck. "I thought I was going to be beheaded," Mr Perren said. "I thought I was going to die."
Severe Injuries and Legal Fallout
Mr Perren suffered catastrophic injuries. His collar bone 'popped' and broke in several places, causing what he described as 'excruciating' pain. He also sustained broken ribs and severe damage to his right shoulder. Hospitalised immediately, he was forced to wait ten days for an operation.
He believes his life was saved only by a piece of camera equipment, an 'apple box', which he thinks propped the car up and prevented him from being crushed to death. The cameraman, whose £10,000 worth of equipment was also destroyed, is now unable to work as his right shoulder is essential for filming.
In October, at Stratford Magistrates' Court, Kyere-Diabour pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, driving while uninsured, and not having a licence for the vehicle. He was fined £675, ordered to pay £150 in costs and a £277 victim surcharge, and received six penalty points on his provisional licence.
Production Company Under Fire
Matt Perren has announced plans to sue the production company, Infinite Starlight Entertainment, alleging they knew the driver was unlicensed. He expressed anger and shock upon discovering the driver's lack of qualifications, stating he would never have filmed with him had he known.
He also accused the company of failing to engage with his legal claim for damages and, alongside insurance broker WK Insurance, of not revealing who insured the set that day. His girlfriend, Nicky, quit her job to care for him, despite initial assurances from the company.
Laura Swaine, partner at Osbornes Law representing Mr Perren, said his life and career had been 'devastated' by the 'horrific' incident. WK Insurance told The Standard that Mr Perren's lawyers know the insurer's identity, a claim firmly rejected by Osbornes Law. Infinite Starlight Entertainment Limited has been approached for comment.
