A special effects technician involved in the filming of the new Batman movie has died in a car accident, the film's producers said Tuesday.

An investigation has been launched after the man was killed when his 4x4 vehicle crashed into a tree during a dummy film run, Warner Brothers said in a statement.

The studio said that none of the cast, which includes several Hollywood stars, was involved in the accident that occurred at a special effects facility.

It added the fatal crash did not happen on the set or during filming for Batman: The Dark Knight.

Media reports said the vehicle was following a stunt car, believed to be the Batmobile, at a property near Chertsey, Surrey, Britain.

(Shenzhen Daily/Agencies September 27, 2007)