Severe Hand Injury on How to Train Your Dragon 2 Set Sparks Safety Concerns
A production crew member working on the live-action sequel of How to Train Your Dragon 2 has suffered a severe hand injury, losing multiple fingers in an accident that occurred off-set in a workshop. The special effects technician was reportedly using a saw when the incident happened, and medical efforts to reattach the severed digits were unsuccessful.
Filming Continues Amid Safety Scrutiny
Filming for the movie, which is scheduled for release in June 2027, is currently underway at Sky Studios Elstree near London. Despite the accident, production has not been halted, but the incident has brought renewed attention to long-standing concerns about on-set safety for film and television crews.
Unions such as Bectu and Pact have previously issued warnings about safety risks associated with 'broken turnaround' – a term referring to insufficient rest periods between shifts. A recent survey indicated that this issue impacts approximately 90 per cent of crew members, compromising their ability to work safely and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Industry-Wide Implications
This accident underscores broader challenges within the film industry, where tight schedules and demanding production timelines can lead to hazardous working conditions. The loss of multiple fingers in this case is a stark reminder of the physical dangers faced by crew members, particularly those in special effects and technical roles.
As investigations into the incident proceed, industry stakeholders are calling for enhanced safety protocols and stricter enforcement of rest periods to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The focus remains on ensuring that crew welfare is prioritised alongside artistic and commercial objectives.
