X-Files makers fined for fatal accident

X-Files stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson

The makers of The X-Files have been fined more than $41,000 (£28,000) in connection with a fatal accident on the set of the cult TV programme last year.

One member of the show's production crew was killed and six others were injured as they were preparing to shoot a scene for the show, on location in Los Angeles.

Scaffolding the crew was standing on while setting up the shot came into contact with an overhead high-power line.

The Californian branch of the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Fox Television had committed three "serious" safety violations, including allowing employees to work near high-voltage lines without taking steps to guard against the danger.

Appeal

The state safety agency also determined that Fox committed a general safety violation by not having a "written code of safe practices posted at the job site".

The company has 15 days to challenge the ruling, but a Fox spokesman has declined to say if the company would appeal or pay the fine.

"We're in the process of reviewing the report," he said.

Jim Engh was killed in the accident, and another worker sustained burns, broken bones and a collapsed lung when the scaffolding came in contact with a 4,800-volt power line.