ORLANDO, FL – A Disney World cast member was knocked down while heroically stopping a 400-pound prop boulder from careening into the audience during a performance of the Indiana Jones stunt show, the company confirmed.
The incident occurred during a showing of “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios when the massive rubber prop became displaced from its track. Video captured by audience members shows the sphere bouncing off its intended path and rolling toward spectators.
A quick-thinking staff member rushed toward the runaway boulder, attempting to halt its momentum before it could reach the crowd. The effort was partially successful, but the prop’s sheer weight and force proved too much.
“The impact of the prop is too strong, and it knocks him over,” one witness described after reviewing footage of the incident.
Another cast member quickly came to assist the injured employee. Disney confirmed that the worker “received immediate care and is recovering” from the injuries sustained while protecting guests.
The stunt spectacular recreates iconic scenes from Steven Spielberg’s 1981 classic “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” including the famous boulder chase sequence that nearly crushes Harrison Ford’s character. The show features numerous high-risk stunts including bullwhip demonstrations, falls from tall structures, and performers swinging axes.
Disney says the production includes multiple safety contingencies for performers when things don’t go according to plan. In this case, the contingency became a cast member putting himself between the audience and danger.
The company did not disclose the extent of the employee’s injuries or how long the show would be suspended while the malfunction is investigated. Theme park safety experts say prop malfunctions, while rare, can pose serious risks given the scale of productions at major parks.
The Indiana Jones attraction has been a popular draw at Hollywood Studios since it opened in 1989.
