Prop gun shot by Alec Baldwin kills cinematographer, injures director on movie set

Renowned American actor and producer Alec Baldwin fatally fired a prop gun that killed a cinematographer and wounded the director on a film set in New Mexico, US law enforcement officer confirmed on Friday.

The incident took place on the set of film Rust, where Baldwin, 63, is playing the lead in a 19th century western about an accidental killing.

The cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and director Joel Souza "were shot when a prop firearm was discharged by Baldwin," the sheriff in Santa Fe said in a statement.

Hutchins, 42, was airlifted to hospital but died of her wounds, while Souza, 48, was taken by ambulance and was receiving treatment.

Santa Fe sheriff spokesman Juan Rios told AFP that Baldwin voluntarily come for investigation and he left the building after he finished his interviews. “No charges have been filed and no arrests have been made."

A spokesperson from the production told The Hollywood Reporter the "accident" involved the misfiring of a prop gun with blanks. "The entire cast and crew has been absolutely devastated by today's tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Halyna's family and loved ones," the spokesperson said in a statement.

"We have halted production on the film for an undetermined period of time and are fully cooperating with the Santa Fe Police Department's investigation."