Set safety on the show 9-1-1 returns to the spotlight after a series of incidents that occurred during filming of the tenth season of the ABC drama. According to Deadline, four people, including the lead actor Oliver Stark, sustained injuries of varying severity while performing acrobatic sequences in recent months. The British actor, who portrays firefighter Evan ‘Buck’ Buckley, fractured an ankle at the end of August, an injury that required surgery. Despite the seriousness of the accident, Stark later returned to the set and resumed work. The news, however, rekindled concerns about safety conditions during the production, which by its very nature demands numerous action scenes, emergency simulations, and particularly complex stunts.
9-1-1: What happened to Oliver Stark?
Stark’s injury reportedly occurred during a highly choreographed sequence in which a firefighter had to swing between a car and a fire truck. The scene would have required precise coordination and the execution of complex movements, testing the performers’ abilities. During the same sequence, a stunt double also sustained a sprained ankle, though it did not require medical attention. The incident led to changes in the stunt mechanics, with the aim of reducing risks in future takes. The other reported incidents involved a stunt operator needing stitches after injuring his arm on a sharp metal element, and another performer who suffered a rib fracture, accompanied by a mild lung contusion, following a fall during a different sequence.
Although not all incidents appear directly linked, their close timing has raised questions about the procedures on set. Producing a series like 9-1-1 indeed presents substantial challenges: scenes must be credible and spectacular, yet require careful planning, qualified personnel, and proper preventive measures. Industry standards call for the involvement of stunt coordinators and specific procedures to protect actors and crew members. At the moment, however, there are not enough details to determine whether the incidents stem from organizational shortcomings or unforeseen circumstances. According to Deadline, a spokesperson for 20th Television, the studio behind the series, declined comment on the incidents. It remains to be clarified what consequences the injuries had and how the return-to-work processes for all involved will unfold.
What makes the matter even more delicate is the precedent of a fatal on-set accident that occurred in 2024, when a member of the show’s crew died after a 14-hour shift. The incident had already drawn attention to working conditions and the need to guarantee proper safety standards during production. The new injuries thus reopen a broader issue that goes beyond a single incident and touches on the responsibilities of television productions toward those working behind and in front of the camera. In the meantime, the tenth season is gearing up for its premiere, scheduled on ABC for October 15 (Italy: streaming on Disney+). For fans, attention remains focused on Buck’s future, as he faces new personal and professional responsibilities. The priority, however, is that filming can continue while ensuring the protection of actors, stunt performers, and the entire crew.
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