US News

Two hurt in explosion at ‘The Hobbit’ studios in New Zealand

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Two people were hurt Tuesday in an explosion at the studios where “The Hobbit” is under production in Wellington, New Zealand, according to local media reports.

Emergency services were called to the Stone Street Studios, co-owned by Oscar-winning producer Peter Jackson about 11:30am local time Wednesday, the New Zealand Herald reported, as a result of an “industrial explosion.”

Two people were taken to hospital, with a fire service spokesman suggesting they had been injured — however Wellington’s The Dominion Post reported the pair were hospitalized as a “precaution.”

A spokesman for Wingnut Films said the explosion was in a workshop, not on set, and filming was continuing.

The 3D, $500 million, two-film prequel to “The Lord of the Rings” began filming in March following months of wrangling, delays, financial woes and health problems for Jackson.