US actor Alec Baldwin accidentally shot dead cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured writer-director Joel Souza when he fired a prop gun on the set of a movie.
The accident took place on the set of "Rust" in which Baldwin is playing the lead role.
Hutchins, 42, was rushed to the hospital by helicopter but died as a result of her injuries, whereas Souza, 48, was taken by ambulance and is being treated.
Director's condition is said to be critical.
So far, no charges have been filed against the actor or others. The incident is being investigated and police are recording the statements of witnesses.
"Right now, we're trying to figure out how and what type of projectile was used in the firearm," said Juan Rios, a spokesperson for the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office.
According to a production spokesperson, the "accident" involved the misfiring of a prop gun with blanks.
Also Read: Angelina Jolie’s Daughter Zahara Raid Her Mum’s Closet, Wore Sparkling 2014 Oscars Gown
The incident occurred on Thursday at the Bonanza Creek Ranch, a prominent production location for Hollywood filmmakers near Santa Fe.
Although most movie sets have strict guidelines regarding the usage of prop firearms, accidents sometimes occur.
Baldwin co-produces and stars in the movie as Harland Rust, an outlaw whose grandson is convicted of murder and who joins him on the run when the boy is sentenced to death.
The 63-year-old shared a photo on Instagram early Thursday that appeared to show him on set, dressed in a period costume and with fake blood on his shirt.
The production of film Rust has been halted. According to a press statement from the New Mexico Film Office, the film would not begin shooting until early November.
Jensen Ackles and Travis Fimmel, both are playing major roles in "Rust."