Leo Rosales said representatives from the Department of Labor are currently at the Foxwoods trying to determine what occurred during the Monday night performance of Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark that led to the injury of actor Christopher Tierney. "We are looking at equipment, talking to eyewitnesses and producers to determine the facts that led to the accident," Rosales said.

The Department of Labor is responsible for checking the safety of all the equipment used in the various stunts and aerial maneuvers. "If we find something that is not safe, it cannot be used," said Rosales, who added that similar inspections are conducted by the Department at amusement parks around the state. 

Rosales confirmed that the department had inspected all of the aerial maneuvers/equipment prior to the first preview of the $65 million musical and deemed all of the equipment safe for use. The Department, Rosales explained, does not have the authority to cancel a performance, only to require the removal of faulty equipment.

Because the inspection was currently underway, Rosales could not give a time frame for the Department of Labor's conclusions. "At this time we don't know what our course of action will be because we don't know all the facts yet," he said.

* In addition to Tierney, actress Natalie Mendoza suffered a concussion during the first preview of the musical. And, prior to the commencement of performances, two actors were injured attempting stunts: One actor broke both his wrists, the other both his feet.

Actors' Equity issued a second, stronger statement at 11:29 AM Dec. 21: "Actors' Equity Association is working with management and the Department of Labor to ensure that performances will not resume until back-up safety measures are in place."

The Julie Taymor musical is currently scheduled to officially open Feb. 7, 2011.