Star Wars: The Force Awakens prosecuted after Harrison Ford broke leg on Millennium Falcon set

Foodles Production UK Ltd will face four charges on 12 May 2016

Harrison Ford suffered a broken leg during an incident with a heavy hydraulic door while shooting Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Getty)

The company responsible for producing Star Wars: The Force Awakens is to be prosecuted after actor Harrison Ford broke his leg and suffered other injuries when a heavy hydraulic metal door fell on top of him on the set of the Millennium Falcon.

The Health and Safety Executive has informed Foodles Production (UK) Ltd, a subsidiary of Disney, that representatives are to appear at High Wycombe Magistrates Court on 12 May 2016 to face four charges relating to the accident, which occurred on 12 June 2014 at Pinewood Studios in London.

“HSE has today informed Foodles Production (UK) Ltd that it will be prosecuted over four alleged breaches of health and safety law,” a HSE spokesperson said. “The charges relate to an incident during filming of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, which left Harrison Ford with serious injuries after he was hit by a heavy hydraulic door.

“By law, employers must take reasonable steps to protect workers – this is as true on a film set as a factory floor. We have investigated thoroughly and believe that we have sufficient evidence to bring the case to court.”

Foodles Production (UK) Ltd is responsible under health and safety law for managing risks taken during production. The four charges all relate to alleged health and safety breaches.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens became the highest grossing film in UK box office history last year, raking in more than $2 billion worldwide.

Episode VIII is expected to reach cinemas in December 2017, with production already underway.