E! News has confirmed that the unidentified stuntmen were shooting a second-unit explosion scene on Thursday night at Lake Ognyanovo, a reservoir outside the capital of Sofia, when the accident occurred.
One of the men died at the scene while the other was rushed to the hospital. His is reportedly unconscious but in stable condition after undergoing a five-hour operation.
Local authorities have launched an investigation and Nu Image/Millennium, the Hollywood production company behind The Expendables 2, released a statement to E! News confirming the mishap and promising to fully cooperate with police.
"It is with great regret that we confirm this unfortunate accident," the producers said. "Our hearts go out to the families and those on the production affected by this tragedy. The filmmakers are working closely with the authorities in responding to and investigating this accident."
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The ensemble film, helmed by Simon West, brings together action legends of the '80s and '90s including Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Dolph Lungren, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Jason Statham, Jet Li, and Chuck Norris (and in a bid to reel in younger moviegoers, hunky Miley Cyrus beau Liam Hemsworth).
The all-star cast was not present when the accident occurred, instead filming two-and-a-half hours away in the scenic mountain resort village of Bansko (earlier this month the Governator spent four days filming his role, which expanded on his cameo in the first Expendables).
A rep for Stallone—the driving force behind the franchise (he wrote and directed the original high-octane shoot 'em up and hatched the story for the follow up)—was unavailable for comment.
The first Expendables, released by Lionsgate, earned mixed reviews but did a bang up job at the box office, grossing $274 million in worldwide ticket sales.
Source: eonline
