X-Files crew member killed

David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson were not on set

A member of the X-Files' TV production crew was electrocuted and six others injured when a power line touched the scaffolding they were using.

The tragedy happened on Monday as the crew were preparing to shoot a scene for the new series of the cult show, on location in Los Angeles.

The dead man has been named as Jim Engh. No other details have been released.

Fire Department spokesman Jim Wells said the overhead line sent a 4,800-volt charge through the entire scaffolding, which stood 15 feet high.

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It is not yet clear how the two came into contact with one another.

X-Files creator Chris Carter said in a statement: "All of us are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague Jim Engh.

"Our hearts go out to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who have known him and worked with him."

Critical

A second person is in a critical condition in hospital, but the other five have been released.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the other crew members who were injured," Carter said. "We wish them a speedy recovery."

Filming was not due to start at the back of a three-storey appartment on Tuesday and none of the actors in the series, which stars Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny, were present.

The crew, six of whom were on the scaffolding, with one on the ground, were preparing for a scene involving a chase down a stairwell in the rain.

Steven Melnick, the vice president of media relations for 20th Century Fox, which makes the X-Files, said he did not know whether filming would go ahead as planned.

The show got a boost last week when Anderson, who plays agent Dana Scully in the series about the paranormal, was reported to have signed a new one-year deal.

Duchovny - Agent Fox Mulder - also agreed to stay for an eighth season, but will only feature in 11 of the 20 episodes.

Terminator 2 actor Robert Patrick has been recruited and will be seen on screen as ex-policemen John Doggett when Duchovny is off.