Actor Alec Baldwin Kills Crew Member On Movie Set

Hollywood star Alec Baldwin discharged a prop firearm on a movie set, unintentionally killing the film's director of photography and wounding the film director.

The unfortunate incident happened in New Mexico on Thursday and authorities disclosed that 42-year-old cinematographer Halyna Hutchins died as a result of the fatal gunshot wound while director Joel Souza, 42, was injured at around 1:50 pm.

The movie being shot was Rust and the locale was Santa Fe County, as revealed by Juan Rios, a spokesman for the  Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. An investigation is ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Alec Baldwin

The New York Times reports that Rios said the shooting at Bonanza Creek Ranch took place in the middle of a scene that was either being rehearsed or filmed. He added that the people on set at the time were being interviewed to determine how the two victims ended up being shot.

He said, "We’re trying to determine right now how and what type of projectile was used in the firearm."

Speaking further, Rios disclosed that the Sheriff's Office had not filed charges against anyone in connection with the shooting.

Hutchins was flown to the University of New Mexico Hospital, Albuquerque where she was later certified dead while Souza was taken to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe. His condition was not available as of the time of the report.

The late cinematographer Halyna Hutchins

Speaking on the tragedy, the movie’s production company, Rust Movie Productions LLC, said: "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.

"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.

"We will be providing counseling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event.”

Alec Baldwin received critical acclaim for his portrayal of former US President Donald Trump on the sketch series Saturday Night Live.

He is the uncle to singer Justin Bieber's wife Hailey Baldwin.