Production assistant on 'Batwoman' paralysed after on-set accident
A production assistant on the new Batwoman series has been left paralysed from the waist down after an accident on the show's set in Vancouver.
30-year-old Amanda Smith was beneath a bucket lift, which was lowered onto her head while filming under Vancouver’s Georgia Viaduct.
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Smith apparently did not hear the lift being lowered because of the noise from the traffic above.
According to Deadline, the Workers’ Compensation Board of British Columbia is conducting an investigation into the accident, with the support of Warner Bros TV, the makers of the show.
In a statement, WB said: “A valued member of the Batwoman production team was recently injured during the preparation of a filming location in Vancouver.
“Our thoughts are with her for a speedy recovery. We are working closely with WorkSafeBC to provide any and all requested information. We continue to work to protect the health and safety of all our crews, casts and employees.”
Tyler Mancuzzo, a colleague of Smith, has set up a GoFundMe page to assist with her rehab.
“While doing her job as a production assistant, the bucket of a lift lowered onto her head. She underwent emergency spinal surgery to repair the damage,” he writes.
“Unfortunately, with this type of surgery, there is no way to know if it was successful until she undergoes significant therapy.
“She is currently paralyzed and cannot feel anything from the waist down, however we are holding out hope that with time and rehabilitation, she might regain sensations in her legs.”
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Currently, nearly $70,000 has been raised.
Ruby Rose, who is playing Batwoman in the series, also suffered a serious injury while making the show last year, which almost left her paralysed.
She herniated two discs in a stunt sequence which went awry in September last year, which left her unable to feel her arms and chronic pain, requiring surgery.
Smith's accident happened just two days before the production of Batwoman wa closed down due to the outbreak of coronavirus.
