During filming for the Western Rust, a tragedy occurred on Thursday in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The movie’s star, Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin, reportedly fatally wounded a crew member after a prop gun with blanks was misfired, causing the director of photography, Halyna Hutchins to die from fatal injuries whilst being rushed to emergency care. Another crew member, director Joel Souza, was also wounded but is still alive.
According to a statement to news agency AFP, a sheriff spokesperson noted that Baldwin came in voluntarily for questioning and no charges nor arrests were filed. Baldwin was reportedly photographed in mass distress and agony over the incident according to The Mirror.
The sheriff’s spokesperson further communicated that:
“This investigation remains open and active. No charges have been filed in regard to this incident. Witnesses continue to be interviewed by detectives.”
According to the BBC, it was determined that the gun used had earlier fired a round that caused a cartridge to become lodged in the barrel. Thus, when blank rounds were later fired, the cartridge became dislodged and then released.
While tragic accidents like this story are rare, they are not unheard of.
In 1993, Brandon Lee – the 28-year-old son of the icon Bruce Lee also died on set after being accidentally shot with a prop gun while shooting the film The Crow.
According to the Mirror, production of the movie has been halted and counselling is being offered.
Picture: Twitter/ @discussingfilm