US actor Alec Baldwin accidentally killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded writer-director Joel Souza. Halyna was airlifted to Albuquerque’s University of New Mexico Hospital, but could not survive, and Souza is currently receiving emergency care at another hospital.

The incident happened on the set of "Rust" in the southwestern US state, where Baldwin is playing the lead in a 19th-century western. Halyna Hutchins and Joel Souza "were shot when a prop firearm was discharged by Alec Baldwin," the sheriff in Santa Fe said in a statement.

No charges were filed over the incident, which is being investigated, with witness interviews ongoing. A spokesperson from the production told that the "accident" involved the misfire of a prop gun with blanks. The spokesman told that the director was in "critical condition."The incident took place at the Bonanza Creek Ranch, a production location near Santa Fe which is popular with Hollywood filmmakers.

In a statement, 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 counselling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event.”

“Rust” is a movie about a 13-year-old boy who goes on the run with his estranged grandfather after the accidental killing of a local rancher, according to IMDb. The movie, which was set to be filmed this month and next month, is directed by Mr Souza and stars Frances Fisher and Mr Baldwin, who is also producing the film.