Alec Baldwin accidentally shoots woman dead on film set

One person died while another was seriously injured after Alec Baldwin, the US actor, fired a prop gun during the filming of ‘Rust’, a forthcoming movie.

Prop guns — which could be real or toy — are usually loaded with blank cartridges.

The incident happened on Thursday at Santa Fe County in New Mexico where production of the project is in progress.

According to a statement by Santa Fe County sheriff’s office, Halyna Hutchins, the film’s director of photography, was killed in the process.

It added that Joel Souza, the film’s director, sustained injury and is currently undergoing treatment.

“The sheriff’s office confirms that two individuals were shot on the set of Rust. Halyna Hutchins, 42, director of photography, and Joel Souza, 48, director, were shot when a prop firearm was discharged by Alec Baldwin, 68, producer and actor,” the police said in a statement.

“Ms Hutchins was transported, via helicopter, to University of New Mexico hospital where she was pronounced dead by medical personnel. Mr Souza was transported by ambulance to Christus St Vincent regional medical center where he is undergoing treatment for his injuries.”

The statement also said that investigation has begun regarding the incident while no charges have been filed.

“This investigation remains open and active. No charges have been filed in regard to this incident,” it added.

Production of the movie has also been halted as a result of the incident even as tributes continue to pour in for the deceased.

In the forthcoming project, Baldwin stars as infamous Western outlaw Harland Rust, whose estranged grandson was convicted of accidental murder and sentenced to death by hanging.

The film chronicles Baldwin’s journey to Kansas to break his grandson out of prison and their attendant efforts to evade arrest by authorities.