KJ Apa In Late Night Car Crash After Working Long Day On Set Of Riverdale
He fell asleep at the wheel.
Some slightly scary news today after it has been reported that KJ Apa was involved in a late night car crash following a late night working on the set of Riverdale.
The star, who plays Archie Andrews in the show, apparently fell asleep at the wheel while driving home from set last week up in Vancouver, Canada.
Watch KJ Apa play Never Have I Ever below...
While KJ is ok and was treated by paramedics at the scene and then by his doctor the following morning, his rental vehicle apparently fared worse after it apparently collided with a light pole. He was apparently driving the rental vehicle after a minor incident with his car near set the previous week.
Although it was originally reported that this crash took place after KJ had worked a 16 hour day and sources claimed it had made cast and crew question health and safety conditions, the studio have now clarified events.
As a studio spokesperson tells Variety: "First and foremost, we are extremely grateful that KJ Apa was uninjured during his recent accident. Secondarily, we want to specifically address the characterisation that conditions on the set of 'Riverdale' are of concern. We have a large cast of series regulars, and our actors do not work every day. On the day of the accident, KJ worked 14.2 hours. The previous day he worked 2.5 hours, and the day before that he worked 7.7 hours.
"KJ has repeatedly been informed about making production aware if he is tired or feels unsafe, and if so, either a ride or hotel room will be provided for him. The accident occurred last Thursday. Additionally, it is untrue that KJ was taken to the hospital. He was treated by first responders on the scene and released by them. We also sent a doctor to his home later that same day for a follow-up to confirm his well-being.”
The events have apparently led several actors to confront producers about the lack of transportation policy, which currently means actors have to make their own way to and from set, even when late night shoots are involves. That said, the studio do have a policy in which they will provide transport or hotel rooms near set upon request for any cast and crew who feel too tired to drive at the end of the day.
In a statement, Warner Bros. Television went on to refute any claim of unsafe working conditions on the set of Riverdale, saying: “The safety of the cast and crew on all of our productions is of paramount importance to the Studio. Productions adhere to the Screen Actors Guild–mandated turnaround time of 12 hours from wrap time to next day call time for cast members.
"In accordance with industry standard policy, if any cast or crew member feels tired or unsafe at any time after working, the Studio will provide a taxi, a driver or a hotel room upon request. This is communicated to all cast and crew, both in writing and verbally, at the beginning of production and is reiterated continuously throughout the duration of production.”