Jeremy Renner suffered blunt chest trauma and orthopaedic injuries following a “weather-related accident” on New Year’s Day, his publicist has confirmed.

The Marvel actor underwent surgery on Monday and is now in intensive care in a critical but stable condition, a statement provided to multiple US media outlets said.

Renner was airlifted to hospital following the incident, which happened while he was “ploughing snow” in Nevada.

The statement said the 51-year-old’s family are grateful to the “incredible doctors and nurses looking after him”, adding: “They are also tremendously overwhelmed and appreciative of the outpouring of love and support from his fans.”

Tabloid news website TMZ said Renner had been clearing the road around a quarter mile from his home near Lake Tahoe, to get his family out after a snowstorm on New Year’s Eve.

The plough, called a Snowcat, accidentally ran over one of the actor’s legs, causing major blood loss, a neighbour said according to the outlet.

The winter storm had left thousands of homes without power, and hundreds of roads closed across northern California and parts of neighbouring Nevada.

Last month, the two-time Oscar nominated actor posted a video of himself in a 4×4 vehicle drifting in the snow with the caption: “Monday morning Pre winter preparation couldn’t be more fun !! #reno #tahoe.”

Renner is well-known for playing Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

He has also featured in films including The Hurt Locker, American Hustle, and Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol.

He is currently starring in Paramount+ series The Mayor Of Kingstown.