Actor Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun that killed a woman during the filming of the movie "Rust."
Actor Alec Baldwin fired a prop weapon that left a woman dead and an injured man on Thursday, October 21, while they were filming a scene from the movie "Rust" in the state of New Mexico, authorities reported.
Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, was injured when "a prop weapon was fired by Alec Baldwin, producer, and actor," the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.
Hutchins "was transported via helicopter to the Hospital of the University of New Mexico, where she was pronounced dead by medical personnel," the text added.
“Rust” director Joel Souza, 48, was injured. He "was transported by ambulance" to a medical center for emergency care.
The incident occurred at Bonanza Creek Ranch, a famous location for movies in the United States, where "Cowboys & Aliens" and "Longmire" have also been filmed.
The sheriff's office said no charges have been filed in the incident while an investigation has been opened, with witnesses being interviewed by detectives.
“According to investigators, it appears that the scene being filmed contemplated the use of a prop gun when it was fired. Detectives are investigating how and what type of projectile was fired."
The patrols went to the place of the accident at the beginning of the afternoon, after receiving an emergency request.
“Production has been discontinued for now. The safety of our cast and our team is our highest priority," reported Baldwin's team -co-producer of the film-, quoted by KOB television.
Film sets usually have rules for the use of prop weapons, but accidents have been reported.
One of the most famous was when Brandon Lee, son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, died during the filming of "The Raven" after being shot with a gun that was supposed to fire fake bullets.
"Rust" is a western film starring Baldwin and directed by Joel Souza. In the production, Baldwin plays Harland Rust, an outlaw whose grandson is accused of murder, and with whom he goes on the run when he is sentenced to hang for the crime.
Baldwin has acted in movies and on television shows since the 1980s.
In addition to several major roles, including "The Hunt for Red October" and stints in the "Mission Impossible" franchise, Baldwin has been the voice of animated characters in hits like "The Boss Baby."
He has collected fans for his portrayal of former President Donald Trump on the comedy show "Saturday Night Live," which earned him a Primetime Emmy.
