Production on The Dark Knight took a dark turn Monday, when a crew member was killed while working on a stunt scene.
Warner Bros. confirmed that an unidentified special-effects technician died after his camera truck crashed into a tree while trailing the stunt vehicle during a practice run.
The accident occurred at a racetrack near Chertsey, south of London, which Warners described as a "special-effects facility" for the Caped Crusader sequel. A spokesperson for England's Health and Safety Executive described the routine "production exercise."
Filming was not taking place at the time, and star Christian Bale and the rest of the cast were not present for the mishap. The main production is taking up temporary residence in Hong Kong after shooting in London and Chicago.
Warner Bros. released a statement expressing condolences.
"Warner Bros. Pictures and the entire cast and crew of The Dark Knight are deeply saddened by this tragedy and their hearts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased."
While the studio has remained tight-lipped on the plot of the film, Variety reports the storyline has Batman decamping from Gotham City (for the first time in the film franchise) to battle baddies in an exotic locale.
Director Christopher Nolan is slated to begin shooting in Hong Kong in early November.
The Dark Knight, meanwhile, is set for release July 18, 2008.