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Screen Actors Guild investigating 'Riverdale' following star K.J. Apa's car crash

By Wade Sheridan
A car accident involving "Riverdale" star KJ Apa is prompting an investigation from the Screen Actors Guild after Apa fell asleep at the wheel following a long day of production. Photo courtesy KJ Apa/Instagram
1 of 2 | A car accident involving "Riverdale" star KJ Apa is prompting an investigation from the Screen Actors Guild after Apa fell asleep at the wheel following a long day of production. Photo courtesy KJ Apa/Instagram

Sept. 22 (UPI) -- The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists will be visiting the set of The CW's Riverdale after star K.J. Apa fell asleep at the wheel following a long production day.

Apa who portrays Archie on the drama, crashed his car into a lamp post after being on set for over 14 hours, Variety reported. The actor did not sustain any serious injuries while severe damage was caused to his vehicle.

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"This is an extremely troubling situation and we are deeply concerned about the safety of performers on the Riverdale set," SAG-AFTRA said in a statement. "We are sending a team to Vancouver to review the circumstances surrounding safety issues affecting performers on this production."

Warner Bros. Television, which produces Riverdale, explained in a statement that the studio can provide a taxi or a hotel room upon request on production days.

"The safety of the cast and crew on all of our productions is of paramount importance to the Studio," a spokesperson said on behalf of Warner Bros. Television. "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."

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The studio also commented on Apa stating, "First and foremost, we are extremely grateful that KJ Apa was uninjured during his recent accident. Secondarily, we want to specifically address the characterization 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."

Riverdale returns to The CW for Season 2 on Oct. 11.

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