Jeremy Renner was run over by 14,330 pound snowplow, authorities confirm

Authorities have confirmed that Jeremy Renner was run over by an 'extremely large' snowplow weighing 'at least 14,330 pounds'.

Earlier this week, shocking news emerged detailing how the 51-year-old actor had been airlifted to hospital on New Year's Day following an accident at his home in Lake Tahoe.

Renner had been ploughing snow while trying to free a stranded car when he was struck by his own vehicle, leaving him in a 'critical but stable' condition.

The Hawkeye star underwent surgery on January 2 after suffering 'blunt chest trauma', with a representative telling Deadline: "He has returned from surgery and remains in the intensive care unit.

"Jeremy’s family would like to express their gratitude to the incredible doctors and nurses looking after him, Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue, Washoe County Sheriff, Reno City Mayor Hillary Schieve and the Carano and Murdock families.

"They are also tremendously overwhelmed and appreciative of the outpouring of love and support from his fans.”

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a statement that they 'responded to a traumatic injury in the area of Mt Rose Highway in Reno, Nevada' and they were investigating the cause.

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Yesterday, January 3, the country's sheriff Darin Balaam held a press conference where he shared key updates about the incident.

He explained that Renner was 'run over' by an 'extremely large piece of snow-removal equipment' weighing 'at least 14,330 pounds', adding that the actor's PistenBully become stuck.

"He went to retrieve his PistenBully or SnowCat – an extremely large piece of snow-moving equipment – to get his vehicle moving," Balaam said.

"After moving the vehicle from the stuck location Mr Renner got out of the PistenBully to speak to his family member and it started to roll.

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"He attempted to try and get into the driver’s seat of the PistenBully. It was at this point that he was run over by the PistenBully."

A neighbour explained that despite the vehicle's safety features, the plough ran over one of Renner's legs, causing major blood loss.

Balaam added that Renner was not believed 'to be impaired at all' and authorities do not suspect foul play.

The actor, who was the only person injured by the accident, owns several different snowplows and regularly posts content on social media where he can be seen clearing snow around his home.

Instagram/@jeremyrenner

Fans continue to share messages of support for the actor, with one writing: "Shocking to hear Jeremy Renner is in critical condition, he is one of favourite actors in recent times. I hope he recovers soon enough."

Another said: "@JeremyRenner sending you all my thoughts and best wishes for your full and speedy recovery from your serious injuries. I am saddened to hear of your accident and am thinking of you and your family."

In his first Instagram post since the incident, the Marvel legend shared a selfie from his hospital bed, writing: "Thank you all for your kind words. Im [sic] too messed up now to type. But I send love to you all."