Local News in Brief : Stunt Man Sues Cannon

A Los Angeles stunt man who was injured in the filming of the movie “Freedom Fighters” in South Africa last year has filed suit against the producers of the film, alleging they negligently allowed unsafe conditions on the set.

According to the Superior Court suit, Melvin Jones, 40, was on a truck on the set of the film on Jan. 12, 1987, when “an inordinately large explosion (was) intentionally placed and prematurely discharged on the set for the film.” Jones’ attorney, Philip M. Kurtz, said Jones suffered shoulder injuries and second-degree burns on his face and hands.

The suit, which asks for unspecified damages, alleges that the producer, Cannon Films Inc., did not have adequate safety or first-aid equipment on hand, failed to obtain proper detonation permits and improperly allowed drugs and alcohol to be used on the set.