Harrison Ford ‘battered’ in a death-defying crash

The swashbuckler hero that he portrays on screen came to life when he crash-landed his plane on a golf course, saving several lives

‘Indiana Jones’ star Harrison Ford underwent surgery to repair a broken ankle and pelvis following his death-defying plane crash in California on Friday. The 72-year-old was in "fair to moderate condition" hours after crashlanding his World War II-era plane onto a golf course in the Los Angeles area, the Los Angeles Fire Department said. Star Wars actor Ford, a long time aviator, reportedly veered off course to avoid crashing into houses.

Surgeons went to work on Ford's broken bones about four hours after the crash, a source close to the family told KTLA. Ford also suffered multiple gashes to his head, causing witnesses at the scene to say they barely recognised the star as he was evacuated.

He also had cuts to his arms, but it was not clear if he suffered internal injuries, Los Angeles Assistant Fire Chief Pat Butler said. "He wasn't a bloody mess," Butler said. "He was alert. He had good vitals".

Ford's injuries are "not life-threatening, and he is expected to make a full recovery," his spokeswoman Ina Treciokas said in a statement.

"Harrison was flying a WW2 vintage plane which stalled upon takeoff. He had no other choice but to make an emergency landing, which he did safely. The injuries sustained are not life-threatening, and he is expected to make a full recovery," she said.

Ford's son Ben later tweeted, "At the hospital. Dad is ok. Battered, but ok! He is every bit the man you would think he is".

Star Wars actor Harrison Ford was badly injured on Friday when the vintage small plane piloted by him crashed onto a golf course in Venice, California. The 'Indiana Jones' star suffered "moderate injuries" in the accident when his plane suffered an engine failure and he was forced to make an emergency landing at Penmar golf course, reports PTI.

Ford, 72, a long time aviator, reportedly veered off course to avoid crashing into houses.

He was attended by two doctors who were already at the scene while the emergency personnel arrived. He was taken to a nearby hospital. The actor was "alert and conscious" after suffering "moderate trauma", according to Patrick Butler, Los Angeles assistant fire chief.

His representative and son also assured fans that his injuries were not life-threatening, according to TMZ which has the video of the actor being transported by paramedics. "Harrison was flying a WW2 vintage plane today which stalled upon takeoff. He had no other choice but to make an emergency landing, which he did safely. The injuries sustained are not life-threatening, and he is expected to make a full recovery," the rep told the website.

Ford's son Ben later tweeted, "At the hospital. Dad is ok. Battered, but ok! He is every bit the man you would think he is."

The Star Wars actor started talking to Santa Monica Airport control tower moments after taking off. He reported an engine failure and requested an emergency return to the airport.

According to a witness who was playing golf when the crash happened, the plane did a "nose dive straight on the 8th hole tee box. .. Two doctors were there and they had a 1st aid box with them. He was con-